The initiative aims to ease financial barriers that often prevent children from accessing timely and appropriate cancer treatment.

The programme has opened its online nomination facility, inviting treating physicians, hospitals, parents, caregivers, NGOs and social organisations to refer eligible children to its Cancer Care Fund.

Treating doctors can nominate patients by submitting the Patient Nomination Form and required medical records through the online portal.

S Mahalingam of the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, who is spearheading the initiative, said that the programme was aimed at reaching families across the country who may not be aware of the assistance available.

“We want to reach families across India who may not be aware that such support is available. Members of the public are also encouraged to refer families of children who require financial assistance for cancer treatment to the programme team,” he said.

Eligible paediatric cancer patients will receive treatment support subject to the programme’s eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and review process.

The programme also focuses on cancer awareness and screening, HPV vaccination, cancer genomics research and treatment support, with the broader objective of improving access to paediatric cancer care.

The 44 canals together stretch 81.81 km and include major waterways such as the Kodungaiyur, Veerangal Odai, Mambalam, Otteri Nalla, Virugambakkam, Captain Cotton, Trustpuram, Rettai Kuppam, Pallikaranai and Secretariat Colony canals.

The drone survey began on Friday at the starting point of the Kodungaiyur North Canal in Muthamizh Nagar, with Corporation Commissioner GS Sameeran inspecting the exercise. Surveys are also being carried out on the Veerangal Odai and West Mambalam Canal.

Around 4-5 drones will be deployed each day, with individual canal stretches assigned to each drone. The Corporation plans to use the images, videos and location-based data collected during the exercise to create a GIS-based database and maps showing the condition of the waterways.

Officials said the survey would help identify stretches requiring desilting, removal of blockages, clearance of vegetation and repairs before the monsoon. The identified works will then be taken up on a priority basis to ensure that water flow through the canals is not obstructed during heavy rainfall.

The services will be affected between 11.15 pm and 4.15 am as works are underway to install an iron foot overbridge at Egmore station, which is undergoing redevelopment at an estimated cost of Rs 842 crore.

What are the changes for Chennai Beach-Tambaram trains on weekdays?

From August 25 to September 5, on weekdays, the following Chennai Beach-Tambaram services will be cancelled:

• Trains leaving Chennai Beach for Tambaram at 10.20 pm, 11.20 pm, 11.40 pm and 11.59 pm are cancelled.

• The 8 pm Tirumalpur–Chennai Beach service, along with the 10.15 pm and 11.20 pm services from Guduvanchery and the 10.20 pm and 11 pm services from Chengalpattu, will be partially cancelled between Tambaram and Chennai Beach.

• The Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu service at 3.50 am will also be partially cancelled between Chennai Beach and Tambaram from August 26 to September 7 on weekdays.

Which train services are rescheduled?

• The Chennai Beach-Guduvanchery service at 9.45 pm will instead leave at 9.50 pm, while the 10.20 pm Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu service will depart at 10.15 pm.

What are the changes for Chennai Beach-Tambaram trains on Sundays?

On Sundays, August 30 and September 6, several services will also be cancelled or partially cancelled.

• The Chennai Beach-Tambaram trains departing at 10 pm, 11.20 pm, 11.40 pm and 11.59 pm will be cancelled. The 8 pm Tirumalpur-Chennai Beach service and the 11 pm and 11.40 pm Tambaram-Chennai Beach services will also be cancelled.

• The 3.50 am Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu service will be partially cancelled between Chennai Beach and Tambaram, while the 10.20 pm and 11 pm Chengalpattu-Chennai Beach services will be partially cancelled between Tambaram and Chennai Beach.

• The Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu service at 9.40 pm is scheduled at 9.50 pm.

• The Chennai Beach-Guduvanchery service at 9.50 pm will be rescheduled to 10.10 pm, while the 10.20 pm Chennai Beach-Tambaram service will instead depart at 10.25 pm.

She had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai after her health deteriorated.

Janaki, who was residing in Alwarpet, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Despite treatment, she passed away, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career spanning nearly seven decades.

Sowcar Janaki acted in over 400 films

Born in 1931 in Andhra Pradesh. She began her entertainment career as a radio artist with All India Radio (Akashvani) in Madras at the age of 14.

Sowcar Janaki earned her iconic prefix from her 1950 movie debut film Shavukaru (Telugu), in which she starred alongside NT Rama Rao.

She went on to act in more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.

During her long career, she shared the screen with several leading actors, including Sivaji Ganesan, MGR and Gemini Ganesan. Known for her versatility, she successfully portrayed both lead and character roles.

Her final Tamil film appearance was in Biskoth (2020), starring Santhanam. The film marked her 400th appearance on screen.

Her death marks the loss of one of the most respected veteran actresses of Indian cinema.

Awards across Sowcar Janaki's career

Over her seven-decade career, she received several honours, which includes the Padma Shri award in 2022 for her contribution to the arts, Kalaimamani Award, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South, Nandi Awards and SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award for her notabl contribution to Indian cinema.

The accused, identified as Podnuru Murali Krishna (34), originally from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and residing in Purasawalkam, allegedly caused a loss of around Rs 3.09 crore to the bank.

According to the police, IOB Ayanavaram branch manager Dinesh Kumar filed a complaint with the Police Commissioner on August 13, alleging that Murali had stolen gold jewellery pledged by customers and replaced it with counterfeit ornaments. Based on the complaint, the CCB’s Bank Fraud Investigation Wing registered a case and launched an investigation.

The probe revealed that Murali had allegedly taken gold jewellery pledged by around 21 customers without the bank’s knowledge. He pledged the jewellery elsewhere and used the money for online gaming and personal expenses. He subsequently replaced the customers’ original jewellery with fake ornaments at the bank, causing the institution an estimated loss of Rs 3.09 crore, police said.

A police team from the Bank Fraud Investigation Wing arrested Murali on August 19. He was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. The police said that further investigation is under way and steps are being taken through legal channels to recover the gold jewellery allegedly pledged by the accused elsewhere.

The deceased, Hemavathi, worked as a cleanliness worker with the Greater Chennai Corporation in Valasaravakkam, and had not been seen outside her house for the past two days.

Neighbours alerted the Tiruverkadu police after noticing a foul smell emanating from the house. Police, who entered her house, found Hemavathi’s decomposed body. Preliminary investigation indicated that she had been smothered with a pillow. Police suspected that she had died around two days before the body was found.

During the investigation, police learnt that Aakash (30), a resident of the same locality, had visited her house shortly before her death. Police subsequently detained his friend, Nithish, for questioning.

According to police, Aakash had been visiting a nearby temple to play the udukai. Hemavathi had reportedly told him to play the instrument at a temple located near her house as well. Police suspected that Aakash became familiar with her and later learnt that she was alone at home.

Investigators suspected that Aakash entered the house two days ago, smothered Hemavathi with a pillow and fled with her jewellery. Police said Nithish’s role in the incident was also being investigated. A search is under way to trace Aakash, who is absconding.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,17,680 per sovereign and Rs 14,710 per gram, after an increase of Rs 880 per gram.

Earlier on August 20, the price of 22-carat gold stood at Rs 1,16,800 per sovereign and Rs 14,600 per gram.

Silver prices increases

Meanwhile, silver prices also increased by Rs 5, to sell for Rs 265 per gram (Rs 2,60,000 per kg) on August 21.

On August 20, silver was sold at Rs 260 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. Prices have increased from Rs 73,840 per sovereign (Rs 9,230 per gram) on August 21, 2025, to Rs 1,17,680 per sovereign (Rs 14,710 per gram) on August 21, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 43,840 or about 59.37%.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

August 20, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,16,800 | 1 gram - Rs 14,600

August 19, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,13,640 | 1 gram - Rs 14,205

August 18, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,320 | 1 gram - Rs 14,290

August 17, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,160 | 1 gram - Rs 14,270

August 15, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,13,760 | 1 gram - Rs 14,220

Silver price over the last five days:

August 20, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 19, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 250

August 18, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 17, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 15, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 14, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,12,320 | 1 gram - Rs 14,040

Which vegetable prices increased today ?

Raw mangoes – Rs 120 per kg, up by Rs 50 (compared to August 19)

Onion – Rs 60 per kg, up by Rs 10

Potato – Rs 35 per kg, up by Rs 10

Lemon – Rs 230 per kg, up by Rs 10

Which vegetable prices decreased today ?

Ooty carrot – Rs 70 per kg, down by Rs 20 (compared to August 19)

Beans – Rs 80 per kg, down by Rs 10

Tomato – Rs 25 per kg, down by Rs 5

What are the prices of essential vegetables ?

Small onion: Rs 70 per kg

Coconut: Rs 60 per piece

What are the prices of other vegetables ?

Drumstick: Rs 30 per kg

Green chillies: Rs 60 per kg

Garlic: Rs 240 per kg

Ginger: Rs 180 per kg

Green peas: Rs 180 per kg

Brinjal: Rs 40 per kg

Bitter gourd: Rs 50 per kg

Capsicum: Rs 50 per kg

How much do herbs cost today ?

Coriander: Rs 7 per bunch

Mint: Rs 6 per bunch

Curry leaves: Rs 25 per bunch

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Thursday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

August 20 - Rs 107.77

August 19 - Rs 107.77

August 18 - Rs 107.77

August 17 - Rs 107.77

August 16 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

August 20 - Rs 99.55

August 19 - Rs 99.55

August 18 - Rs 99.55

August 17 - Rs 99.55

August 16 - Rs 99.55

The deceased was identified as K Lokesh of Karthikeyapuram near Tiruvallur. He was working as a manager at a well-known vegetarian restaurant in Tiruvallur.

On Thursday, a review meeting was held at the restaurant's head office in Nungambakkam. After the meeting, Lokesh was heading to Chennai Central railway station to return to Tiruvallur when the accident happened.

Police said that he rode pillion with his friend, S Karthik (26). While they were moving along Periamet towards Chennai Central, a water tanker coming from behind hit their bike.

Both Lokesh and Karthik fell from the motorcycle. Locals rescued the injured duo and rushed them to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where Lokesh was declared dead on arrival.

Periamet Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW) police registered a case and arrested the tanker driver, R Senthilkumar (42) of Mettur, Salem district. Further investigation is under way.

A new study by the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) has found that while 66 per cent of respondents live within a kilometre of a public transport stop or station, about two-thirds are unable to reach these services safely because of poor pedestrian infrastructure.

The findings are part of a report titled 'Moving Without Barriers: Documenting Mobility Barriers Encountered by People with Disabilities in Chennai'. The report is based on a year-long study involving surveys, focus group discussions and secondary research, with an emphasis on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

The study paints a troubling picture of the obstacles encountered even before passengers reach a bus, train or Metro station. Nearly 68 per cent of respondents reported encountering blocked or uneven pathways that forced them onto the road, exposing them to moving traffic. Another 41 per cent reported feeling unsafe while using pedestrian infrastructure.

A key concern raised at the event was that accessibility is often addressed only after infrastructure has already been designed or constructed

The findings underline a gap between proximity and actual accessibility. Inaccessible or unsafe footpaths, road crossings, and first- and last-mile connections can effectively keep the transport facility out of reach even if it is geographically close to a person's home.

According to the report, buses and suburban trains are among the most commonly used modes of transport, but several shortcomings continue to restrict independent mobility.

These include inaccessible vehicle designs, gaps between platforms and trains, inadequate ramps, poor signage, insufficient audio-visual announcements and inaccessible bus stops.

Passenger satisfaction with the interiors of public transport was particularly low. Only 4.5 per cent of respondents said they were completely satisfied, while over 61 per cent rated the interiors poorly.

The consequences, CAG argues, extend far beyond inconvenience. "Lack of accessible mobility should not be seen as isolated incidents of inaccessible transport," said Divya Arvind, a researcher with CAG's Sustainable Mobility and Road Safety team, adding that the cumulative impact affects access to education, employment and healthcare.

The Supreme Court recognised the right to walk on safe and demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right. The CAG argues that the principle of 'Universal Design' should extend this approach further, ensuring streets and transport infrastructure are usable not only by persons with disabilities and senior citizens but are safer and more convenient for everyone.

Interestingly, the Chennai Metro emerged as the preferred mode among the city's public transport options because of its comparatively accessible infrastructure and trained staff.

The study also found that Metro travel is not free of accessibility problems. Respondents reported difficulties with accessible station features, locked accessible toilets and limited network coverage. The absence of fare concessions for persons with disabilities was also identified as a concern.

The findings suggest that accessibility cannot be judged solely by the design of individual stations or vehicles. A passenger's journey begins well before boarding and continues after leaving the transport system, making pedestrian infrastructure, interchange facilities and first- and last-mile connections crucial components of accessible mobility.

Speaking to the audience during the report's launch, A Saravanan, Joint Commissioner (Works) of the Greater Chennai Corporation, stressed that "accessibility is a right, not a privilege" and described the initiative as "healthy advocacy for inclusive accessibility".

He said the GCC plans to improve 80 km of footpaths, incorporating tactile and accessible pathways and junctions. He also outlined plans for accessibility improvements to parks and beaches and the introduction of improved bus-stop models across Chennai.

The announcement is significant in the context of the study's findings because pedestrian infrastructure emerged as one of the biggest obstacles preventing people from independently accessing public transport.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), meanwhile, is banking on low-floor buses as a central part of its accessibility strategy. General Manager (Operations) of the MTC, SA Selvakumar, said all newly procured buses would be low-floor models. Another 1,000 low-floor buses are expected by the end of 2026, according to the press release, with the longer-term objective of moving towards an entirely low-floor city bus fleet.

He also highlighted accessible mini-buses as a means of improving first- and last-mile connectivity. Likewise, the CMRL said its longer-term goal is full compliance with harmonised accessibility guidelines.

A key concern raised at the event was that accessibility is often addressed only after infrastructure has already been designed or constructed.

One of the report's most important conclusions is that inaccessible mobility has consequences beyond the transport sector.

If a person cannot safely reach a bus stop, board a vehicle, navigate a station or complete the final stretch of a journey, the result can be reduced access to jobs, schools, hospitals and other essential services.

The report therefore calls for accessibility to be embedded throughout the infrastructure lifecycle — planning, design, procurement, implementation and maintenance — rather than being treated as an additional feature after construction.

Distribution boxes, including Ring Main Units along Anna Nagar 2nd Avenue, 6th Main Road, 13th Main Road, 18th Main Road, and several residential streets are covered with posters. In some places, fresh posters have been pasted over old ones, completely obscuring the boxes.

Residents said transformers and distribution boxes in locations without view cutters were particularly targeted. The problem is also widespread around areas frequented by job seekers and students attending IAS coaching centres, with several PG advertisements appearing on walls, electrical boxes and even house gates.

“Many people come to this area looking for jobs and to attend IAS academies, and there are many PGs nearby. So, PG advertisement posters are pasted in many places across Anna Nagar. In some places, they are even pasted on house gates, making the area look untidy,” said Rajesh, a resident.

Apart from affecting the appearance of the neighbourhood, it could cause difficulties for electricity board personnel when they need to inspect or repair equipment during a fault.

A line inspector said distribution boxes were important components of public electricity infrastructure and that workers removed posters whenever they found them. “Even after we remove the posters, new ones are pasted at the same locations. We have warned some people after noticing them pasting posters, but the practice continues. Vacant-looking spaces are being extensively used for pasting posters,” he said.

A TNPDCL official said workers during routine work remove posters and banners on distribution boxes in north Anna Nagar under the supervision of line inspectors and foremen. Corporation workers also remove posters while carrying out their duties, the official said, adding that it was not known who was putting them up.

The incident happened in Koyambedu on July 31, the police said.

Shankar runs an eatery near Koyambedu. While he was on his way home after work on July 31, he was stopped by the fake policeman near Koyambedu market.

Before Shankar could react, he removed the bike key and told the motorist that he had to check him for drunk driving.

He made Shankar ride pillion with him. After driving a certain distance, the man made Shankar get down, claiming he needed to collect his bag from the police outpost. But once Shankar got down, the man fled with the bike.

Realising he was conned, Shankar filed a complaint with the CMBT police, who registered a case.

After investigations, the police zeroed in on the suspect as Ramesh of Kollimedu near Avadi. Investigation revealed that he worked at a two-wheeler parking lot in Koyambedu.

The stolen bike was recovered from him. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.

In a poetry reading session titled Egrets, While War, Tishani Doshi will read from her latest poetry collection of the same name. Written in the aftermath of the pandemic, the collection grew organically out of Tishani’s observations of a world grappling with war, economic uncertainty, climate grief and ecological loss.

Rather than approaching these themes with a predetermined agenda, she says the poems emerged from an attempt to connect the personal with the larger collective experience.

“What I was trying to navigate in this collection were my experiences and observations, but trying to tie the personal to larger collective notions of where we are in the world and trying to imagine perhaps where we could be,” she says.

Birds became a recurring presence in that process. For Tishani, they occupy a space between the earth and sky, offering a sense of lightness and hope in an increasingly difficult world. The poems eventually took her beyond the birds she encountered around her, towards extinct species, literary birds and the many ways birds have captured the human imagination.

At the heart of the collection is the idea of disappearance. She connects the disappearance of species with genocide, war, civilian deaths, ageing and the loss of people who were once part of our lives. Survival, then, becomes more than simply continuing to exist.

“If I'm thinking about renewal, I'm thinking about how do we prevent or not allow something to vanish entirely? How do we keep that trace? And then what can we build on that trace?” she asks.

For the poet, poetry offers a particularly elastic way of responding to the contemporary world. Unlike a sustained narrative, which can require time to develop, a poem can intervene quickly while still allowing ideas to deepen through distillation, imagery and language.

And in an age when violence arrives continuously through social media and news, she believes art has a role in resisting the numbness that follows.

“It is a way of witnessing, it is a way of commenting, it is a way of trying to, through the poem, through language, even suggest a different imagination, a different way of seeing, a different way of being. We need to have hopeful things; we can't fall into despair, that's the end game,” she tells us.

A Chennai native, many of her poems feature the city, or Madras as she still calls it. One poem in particular returns to an encounter in Trinidad with a woman whose ancestors had travelled there as bonded labourers.

When she heard that Tishani was from Madras, the woman repeatedly invoked the city, even asking her, “Do you speak Madras?” Hosted by Prakriti Foundation, Egrets, While War will be held on August 21 at The Lab @ Shanta, T Nagar.

CHENNAI: I would love for Chennai to preserve its unique culture and traditions, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, its many festivals and artistic heritage.

Secondly, I would want the city to preserve its unmistakable sense of community that makes it feel like home.

There is a warmth and hospitality among people, with neighbours coming together during celebrations and difficult times and always being there to support each other.

Most importantly, I would want Chennai to retain its unpretentious nature, the charm of being genuine rather than flashy, where people can be themselves without the fear of being looked down upon.

- Shanta Narayanan, committee member, Friends of DakshinaChitra

'Our culture and heritage must endure for centuries'

Conceptually, I would want Chennai’s rich tradition, culture and heritage to endure for centuries, not as memories of the past, but as an integral part of the city’s identity.

Physically, I would preserve its ancient temples and beautiful shoreline.

Chennai’s temples, some with histories spanning thousands of years, are legendary legacies that I hope will continue to stand and inspire generations. Our shoreline is equally precious.

I would not want it merely to be maintained, but thoughtfully protected, restored and enhanced as Chennai evolves into the future.

Preserving Chennai is not about freezing it in time. It is about ensuring that, even in a futuristic Chennai, its ancient soul, heritage and relationship with the sea remain deeply respected and beautifully alive.

- Ezhil Aparajit, wild & nature artist and founder, Ekam Kreatives

'Keeping Marina at the heart of our city'

The city has a typical lifestyle, a lot of traffic, interesting celebrations and beautiful activities centred around music and temple festivals.

There is a lot of tradition interwoven with everyday social life and that is one of the greatest things about the city.

It is steeped in tradition, yet very modern, with cuisines from across the world. It is an eclectic, humble and quiet society.

And then there is Marina Beach, which is at the heart of Chennai life. It is a place for everyone, the common folk, families and visitors, offering simple and healthy fun.

The beach, the sunrises and sunsets, and the people who gather there make it one of the most enriching parts of the city. These are two things I would want to see remain in Chennai forever.

- Sarala Banerjee, director of Artworld India and Sarala's Art International

'Chennai’s natural systems need protection'

As a coastal city, Chennai has a rich ecosystem and a structured water system that has existed for centuries. It is this network that helped the city grow into a metropolitan centre.

But during the process of development, we have neglected our water bodies and local ecology in the name of urbanisation, in an unplanned manner.

Chennai’s ecology has to be protected, especially as climate change brings more frequent floods and increasing water shortages. Over the next 100 years, these challenges are likely to become even more serious.

Whatever remains of Chennai’s natural systems - its three rivers, the Pallikaranai marshland, cascading lake systems and connecting canals needs to be preserved.

Being a coastal city, its beaches are equally important. They are recreational spaces used by thousands of people and form an integral part of everyday life in Chennai.

- Karthik Gunasekar, co-founder of Aram Thinai

Residents pointed out that while the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has begun desilting canals ahead of the monsoon, this illegal sewage discharge continues to increase silt deposit.

According to residents, sewage has been getting discharged into the Buckingham Canal in Nethaji Nagar for many years.

During the monsoon, fears escalate as rainwater mixed with sewage overflows into the southern part of Nethaji Nagar.

T Aishwarya of Nethaji Nagar said, "A few years back during the monsoon, water overflowed from the canal and inundated 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and several other streets in Nethaji Nagar. Waist-level sewage water was recorded in low-lying areas, along with knee-level flooding in Vinobhava Nagar, Patel Nagar, and Thamizhan Nagar."

"Because a dump yard is located near the canal, the stench from waste and sewage becomes unbearable. Also, the mosquito menace worsens on rainy days," she added.

Residents also pointed out that garbage piled near the compound wall frequently spills into the canal. They urged the GCC to clear the water hyacinth and carry out desilting work along the stretch soon.

V Dinesh, a member of the Youth Climate Resilient Movement, explained, "The GCC must prevent sewage from mixing with canals. The sewage discharged into this canal flows and settles in the wetlands at Ennore Creek, where sewage silt damages the ecosystem. As a result, rainwater drainage slows at the estuary, which increases the risk of severe flooding in north Chennai neighbourhoods," insisting that the desilting work has to be done at the earliest.

"Works to replace the 1,000 mm sewage pipeline at the F4 sewage pumping station in Tondiarpet is under way. The remaining 160 metres of pipeline work is expected to be completed by October. Once completed, the sewage outfall will be plugged and redirected to the Kodungaiyur Sewage Treatment Plant," a Metro Water Board official told DT Next.

A bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan said it could not entertain the petition as the petitioner had not specifically identified the places where illegal banners were erected.

The petition was filed by G Deva of Vadapalani, a cable TV operator, who submitted that the mushrooming of illegal hoardings and banners on roads and buildings was causing accidents, sometimes resulting in loss of life.

He pointed out that despite several directions from the High Court and Supreme Court to strictly enforce the rules and prevent illegal hoardings from endangering public life and property, the authorities were permitting such advertisements and failing to take action against violators.

The court said a PIL seeking removal of banners across the entire city could not be vague and stressed that the petitioner must list the specific violations and locations. It also asked whether the petitioner had approached the authorities before moving the court.

Following the court's observations, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the plea. The court allowed the withdrawal, with liberty to approach the authorities afresh by providing specific details of the locations where the alleged illegal banners were erected.

Though Deva had submitted representations seeking action and the removal of the illegal hoardings, the authorities failed to act, prompting him to approach the court seeking directions to remove the unauthorised hoardings and take action against those responsible.

The complainant was working at the private firm in Pulianthope, run by the arrested person, R Joseph Xavier (46), a TVK office bearer.

Police said the woman had quit her job after the company allegedly failed to pay her salary properly. She had been asking Xavier for her pending salary dues, which he allegedly failed to pay.

A few days ago, Xavier sent obscene photos to her and made obscene remarks in video calls.

Otteri police arrested Xavier on Thursday (August 20). He was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

The accused, Nadia, a resident of Tambaram, runs a private firm on Kakan Street, under the name Genun Tax, through which she had been providing Income Tax and GST filing services.

Victor Gnanaraj (38), a resident of Kovur near Porur, approached Nadia along with his brother after they sold a house jointly owned by them. As the property transaction had to be reflected in their Income Tax records, the brothers handed over their financial details, PAN card numbers and OTPs to Nadia.

Nadia, who had completed BCom, informed them that they had to pay 3.65 lakh as TDS. She told them that the amount would be refunded to their bank accounts by the Income Tax Department before the end of the financial year. Trusting her, the brothers paid the amount and received a stamped receipt from her.

However, when the money was not credited to their accounts as promised, they questioned Nadia, and she failed to provide a proper explanation.

A complaint was filed. An investigation found that the Income Tax receipt issued to the brothers was fake. Nadia had paid only Rs 365 to the Income Tax Department and edited the receipt to show 3.65 lakh before affixing a fake Income Tax seal and handing it over to the victims.

The police searched her office and seized several seals, computers and fake receipts. Nadia admitted to collecting money from several unsuspecting customers.

Police suspect that she had conned customers of around 66 lakh in a similar manner over the past five years. Nadia was arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

Murali (39) of Kodungaiyur works as a cab driver. He had applied for the post of Office Assistant in the Labour Welfare Department in 2018. He came into contact with David Raja, who was working at the Government Press.

David claimed that he knew many government officials and had secured jobs for many people. He took Rs 13 lakh from Murali by promising to get him a driver position in the Education department and his wife a lab technician job.

Murali paid the amount in two instalments and a few months later, David notified them of two vacancies in the Finance department. Following this, Murali's brother Siva and his wife also paid Rs 13.5 lakh for the jobs.

However, David cited the COVID-19 outbreak for failing to provide the job and cheated them.

Based on their complaint, police arrested David Raja (34) of Government Press Quarters, New Washermenpet, on Wednesday (August 19).

Probe revealed that he used the tainted money to buy land in Pallavaram, and the property documents were seized. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.

Following directives from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, multi-departmental operations are being jointly-executed by the GCC, Public Works department, Metro Water Board, and Southern Railway.

The initiative spans key structural repairs, including constructing new stormwater drains, repairing existing networks, elevating manholes, and servicing flood-pumping stations.

Desilting is under way across 1,671.39 km of stormwater drains, 1,10,082 silt catch pits, and 1,08,041 drain channels.

Over 11,790 metric tonnes of silt and invasive water hyacinth have been cleared from local water bodies over the past month.

Additionally, works cover 430 km of stormwater drains and 18,000 inspection pits under the Highways department's jurisdiction.

Targeted clearing operations are securing 815 minor subways, 16 major subways, 12 pedestrian subways, and seven critical low-lying zones to ensure uninterrupted transit during heavy rains.

GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran inspected ongoing SWD construction works on 3rd Avenue, Anna Nagar. Subsequently reviewed overall pre-monsoon preparedness and drain works across the North, Central, and South regions.

A special recruitment camp for the apprenticeship training will be held at the MTC Industrial Training School, Chromepet, on September 2 at 10.00 am.

Eligible candidates can attend the camp and submit their applications.

Candidates who have completed ITI courses in mechanical motor vehicle, diesel mechanic, auto electrician, electrician, fitter, welder, painter and turner trades are eligible to apply.

Eligible candidates are requested to participate in the special camp and make use of this opportunity.

The complainant, Revathi (33) of Sathuma Nagar in Tiruvottiyur, runs a beauty parlour.

On August 9, Revathi had kept her savings of Rs 1.2 lakh and a half-sovereign gold ring in the locker in her house.

When she checked the locker recently, the valuables were missing. After searching the entire house, Revathi filed a police complaint.

After investigations, the police detained Revathi's neighbours, Suganya (32) and her mother, Shanthi (55), for questioning based on credible proof.

The woman and her mother agreed to have stolen the items during one of their visits to Revathi's house. The police recovered Rs 42,500 from them.

Both the accused were produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. Further investigation is under way.

In an interview with DT Next, she reflected on what the Jantar Mantar mobilisation represented, how it drew people in, AISA’s working relationship with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) despite differences in ideological clarity, the Left’s struggle for visibility and a class distinction between student and workers’ movements.

Do you consider the CJP’s protest different from the anti-CAA or farmers’ protest?

All the protests are the same yet different. The CAA protests were also led by youth. They were all very clear in consolidating people against the government, against the present regime. Even though some people might say the Jantar Mantar protests were just for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, that is not true. It mobilised people against whatever has been going on in this country for the past few years.

The same is the case with the CAA. It was about the Citizenship Amendment Act, but it turned out to be about people mobilising against whatever has been going on in this country for a long time. The farmers' protest was against the farm laws, but it consolidated people against the order of things and the politics and the system.

You have said that the success of this protest was also somewhat due to people not really caring who the leader was. Can you explain?

I think that is true for all of these protests. People did not care who their leader was. Not exactly in that manner, but they were excited about the fact that there was such a popular expression of disagreement with people in power who claimed to be unquestionable, who claimed to be infallible. After a certain point in time, leaders are, of course, important. But like all mass movements, people also have a say in what direction the movement will take. That was the same case here in the CJP protests.

AISA and the Left were vocal about the abolition of the NTA and the NEP. Are you satisfied with the outcome of the protest, given that it ultimately revolved around the paper leak and the resignation rather than an overhaul of the system?

I am satisfied with the outcome of the protest, but we also know that replacing one person with another who is equally bad, if not worse, is not how students will stop facing paper leaks, corruption or mismanagement in examinations. But this movement was also important for people to realise that Dharmendra Pradhan left, but they are facing the same system.

Did any conversation take place between CJP and AISA about the fact that the resignation was not the end goal?

We did talk about it, but we also recognise that mass movements do need to have certain very concrete agendas.

The people who came had left their jobs for three or four weeks. They were fired from their jobs because they refused to go back. They had come from Maharashtra, Assam, Bengal and different parts of the country.

For them to be able to stay there and fight the system is a very strong idea, but it's also a very big idea. It's a vague idea also. Dharmendra Pradhan resigning is a concrete thing you can point to. That is why often we see that mass movements have a very concrete agenda, so that it's easy for people to grab onto it, to latch their agendas and energies into that.

Tell us about the collaboration with CJP, particularly in terms of ideology.

As of now, I think the CJP has not told us what its ideology is, or we have not had enough history of the CJP to piece together and figure out what their ideology is yet. It is still very new. But as long as they are fighting for students and young people, we are ready to work with them. It's okay with us.

Student movements, particularly organisations such as AISA, have traditionally been at the forefront of mobilising people. But CJP got considerable visibility during the protest. Do you think Left organisations are still lacking when it comes to visibility?

I think CJP has a very robust system for interactions and communication with the media and social media presence. With people like Arpit (Sharma), Dhruv Rathee... they have a very big network because of their past political work. We don’t have such connections. So our social media presence is not as strong as theirs.

Do you find that people alienate themselves from the Left? How do you deal with that?

I think there has been a lot of money and years and years of propaganda to delegitimise the Left because it's the only real challenge to American imperialism in the world. There have been several regimes and leaders at different periods where the Left has been more relevant, and there has been a sustained campaign to delegitimise the Left and associate it instead with foreign influence.

Which is a funny thing because if there is any foreign influence, it is the foreign influence of fascism from Germany, from Italy and RSS ideologues. Bhagat Singh is not foreign influence. Ambedkar is not foreign influence. Savitribai (Phule) and Fatima (Sheikh) are not foreign influences.

The second thing is that we feel that this movement has already made the Left popular among people. Whatever I say, those ideas come from an understanding of the Left, from an understanding of communism, from an understanding of socialism. All of those ideas come from there. And if people connect to it, if people like it, well then they are socialists.

In the Indian context, electorally, what do you see as the next big hurdle?

I think electorally the biggest hurdle next is elections, with the advent of SIR, where people are being systematically picked, handpicked and thrown out of citizenship. That is the biggest challenge to electoral democracy, I would say.

There was considerable anger against the education system that led to the mass protest and the resignation. Do you think there is not the same amount of anger against the labour system in India? Isn’t that a bigger challenge?

It is a big challenge. There is a difference in the kind of issues that get limelight.
For the issue of paper leaks to become so popular required a lot of resources and an extensive presence of people on social media. A very big chunk of that population was invested in the paper leak movement.

When you talk about the movement against the labour codes, or the Gurugram-Manesar protests a few months ago, a majority of the participants were also young. They were Gen Z too, but they were gig workers who did not have access to social and cultural capital. Hence, a majority of their time is not spent creating content on social media. They were labelled as disruptors, as having been funded by foreign forces to destabilise India. But the Jantar Mantar protests gained immense popularity. So there is nothing but a class divide in this.

Students have a certain amount of security. They have a certain level of cushioning about institutions. But workers, if they do not spend 18 hours a day labouring in their respective professions or jobs, then it is a question of basic survival for them. There is also a difference in how the media treats workers' protests and how it treats popular, aesthetic protests like the Gen Z protest.

The "Metro-vil Madras Day" event will be held during the midnight hours of August 21 into August 22. Billed as a first-of-its-kind experience in the city, the event will combine public transport, live music, and Madras Day festivities.

The celebrations will begin at the Koyambedu Metro station with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the arrival of Madras Day.

Participants will then board the train, where the musical performance will continue as the train makes its way towards the Airport Metro station and returns to Koyambedu station.

The ride is expected to last 90 minutes and will feature a live performance by Chennai-based contemporary band Office Gaana.

The event is being offered free of charge. According to the organisers, public interest was immediate, with registrations closing within just 30 minutes of opening.

The initiative brings together what the organisers describe as three elements of contemporary Chennai its people, public transport and music.

With a live band performing as the train travels through the city at midnight, the organisers hope to turn an everyday mode of transport into a collective celebration of Chennai.

The event also forms part of Super Chennai and CMRL's efforts to create public experiences centred on Chennai's culture, identity and changing urban landscape.

With slots currently filled, those interested can seek additional details on https://www.superchennai.com/contest/madras-day-2026-midnight-metro-ride.

Madras Day commemorates the founding of the city and is marked annually through events celebrating Chennai's history, culture and identity.

This year's midnight metro initiative adds a distinctly contemporary setting to the celebrations, with the city's transport network itself becoming part of the occasion.

The court passed the order on Wednesday, sentencing the then DGM of Bank of India N Venkatachalam; record clerk of Sholinganallur Taluk office M Sivakumar; VAO of Puzhalavandhal T Dasarathan; another VAO M Manichavelu and private persons OP Thamarai Poo and P Thandapani.

The six were also collectively fined Rs 2.70 crore, according to the CBI.

The CBI registered the case on May 19, 2010, based on a complaint from Bank of India. The agency alleged that the prime accused, E Muthuswamy and others, in conspiracy with bank officials, fraudulently obtained various credit facilities by submitting false and fabricated documents.

The accused allegedly misappropriated bank funds and caused a loss of Rs 2.39 crore to the bank.

Following the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on December 28, 2011, against 12 persons, including five public servants and seven private individuals.

During the trial, the case against suspended senior draftsman V Umapathy of the Land and Survey Department was split up and is being tried separately in CC 18/2016.

Four accused - E Muthusamy, A Vincent, K Srikanth and M Jothi - died during the trial, following which the charges against them were abated. Another accused, Lavanya, was acquitted.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,16,800 per sovereign and Rs 14,600 per gram, after an increase of Rs 200 per gram.

Earlier on August 19, the price of 22-carat gold stood at Rs 1,13,640 per sovereign and Rs 14,205 per gram.

Silver prices increases

Meanwhile, silver prices also increased by Rs 10, to sell for Rs 260 per gram (Rs 2,60,000 per kg) on August 20.

On August 19, silver was sold at Rs 250 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. Prices have increased from Rs 73,440 per sovereign (Rs 9,180 per gram) on August 20, 2025, to Rs 1,16,800 per sovereign (Rs 14,600 per gram) on August 20, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 43,360 or about 59.04%.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

August 19, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,13,640 | 1 gram - Rs 14,205

August 18, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,320 | 1 gram - Rs 14,290

August 17, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,160 | 1 gram - Rs 14,270

August 15, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,13,760 | 1 gram - Rs 14,220

August 14, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,12,320 | 1 gram - Rs 14,040

Silver price over the last five days:

August 19, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 250

August 18, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 17, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 15, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

Police have arrested three persons, including the brothers of the victim’s estranged wife, for the murder. 

Police said Rathinavel was riding a two-wheeler near a private school on VOC. Nagar Street when two men waylaid him and attacked him repeatedly with sickles before fleeing the spot. Hearing his cries, locals rushed to help and alerted police.

Police rushed the injured man to the hospital, where he was declared as brought dead. The body was sent to the Government Stanley Hospital for post-mortem. 

During investigation, police found that Rathinavel was married with two sons. The family lived at Kavangarai near Puzhal. He had separated from his wife and allegedly entered into an extramarital relationship with his wife’s sister-in-law and had been living with her near Mondiyamman Nagar for the past few months. 

Despite repeated warnings from relatives, Rathinavel refused to end the relationship. Enraged over this, his wife’s brothers – Saravanan (39) and Dhanasekaran (34) – and a relative Palanisamy (45), plotted to murder Rathinavel, which they executed on Wednesday. 

All three were arrested. Two knives and a two-wheeler used in the crime were seized. They were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. 

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Thursday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

August 19 - Rs 107.77

August 18 - Rs 107.77

August 17 - Rs 107.77

August 16 - Rs 107.77

August 15 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

August 19 - Rs 99.55

August 18 - Rs 99.55

August 17 - Rs 99.55

August 16 - Rs 99.55

August 15 - Rs 99.55

The complainant, R Mahalakshmi, resides on Radhakrishnan Road, Valasaravakkam. Police said that she had gone to a nearby ration shop to buy groceries and was returning home on her two-wheeler when the incident happened.

When she stopped at the apartment complex to open the gate, a man snatched the 8-sovereign gold chain she was wearing, took her two-wheeler and fled the scene. Based on her complaint, Valasaravakkam police registered a case and launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify and trace the accused.

The conversation comes at a time when celebrating Madras also means looking beyond its familiar narratives. “Not all our heritage is about celebrating. We also need to introspect and ensure that exclusions based on caste or religion are not repeated,” says historian Kombai Anwar.

The panel brings together Madhavi Latha, former national para-athlete, filmmaker and founder of Yes, We Too Can; Karpagam, visually challenged advocate; Kombai Anwar, historian; Neha, trans rights activist and actress; and Miranda Tomkins, deaf-blind educator. Thirupurasundari Sevvel, architect, urban planner, historian, curator and founder of Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai, will moderate the discussion.

The panel also brings the question of accessibility into the conversation. Madhavi Latha recalls encountering inaccessible public infrastructure during her early years of advocacy. She says Chennai has since made significant progress, including more accessible stadiums, buses and sporting facilities. But she stresses that accessibility goes beyond ramps and elevators. “It is about agency and independence,” she says.

For Madhavi, the remaining challenge is not only infrastructure but also attitudes. She points to the “last mile” problem, inaccessible pavements and transport, and the lack of accessibility in cultural spaces. Her call is for universal design and for people with disabilities to be included in city planning rather than treated as recipients of facilities. “We do not need a separate ‘disability corner’ in history; our stories must be woven into the mainstream narrative.”

For Thirupurasundari Sevvel, inclusion must be built into how a city is conceived. Rather than prescribing one way of looking at Chennai, she hopes the conversation will open up possibilities for doing things differently. “Every voice matters, because each one adds another layer to our understanding of Madras,” says Thirupurasundari.

That multiplicity of perspectives is central to the evening. Madras, as Anwar points out, has never had just one story. “Its history is layered, and voices with greater privilege have often been recorded more easily than others. Bringing different experiences into the conversation allows more of those layers to be recognised. Madras cannot be told through one history, one neighbourhood, one community or one kind of expertise,” adds Anwar.

For Madhavi, the idea of inclusion also extends to how the city remembers its people. “The story of Chennai belongs to all of its people,” she says, arguing that the contributions of people with disabilities must be woven into the city’s mainstream history rather than placed in a separate category.

“If Anaivarum 2 makes someone look at a familiar street and ask, ‘Who else should be able to experience this place, and how?’, then I think the conversation has already begun,” concludes Thirupurasundari. The discussion will be held on August 21, from 4 to 6 pm, at Alliance Française of Madras, Chennai. A sign language interpreter will be available.

The stretch is used by thousands of commuters travelling to the bus terminus, private hospitals, commercial establishments and Vadapalani Metro station. As the road is narrow, there is limited space for a separate pedestrian walkway.

Ongoing Metro Rail and storm water drain works have further reduced the available road space. This has led to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, while pedestrians struggle to move safely along the stretch.

Murugan, a resident, said, “There has been no footpath here for the past four years. People face difficulties every day, especially during peak hours. From children to senior citizens, everyone is forced to walk on the road among moving vehicles. There is also no proper crossing line, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross the road safely.”

Concurring with him was another resident, Vicky, who added: “Vehicles are also parked along the pedestrian path. The road is dangerous for anyone to navigate on foot.”

A senior Corporation official told DT Next that footpaths were missing only in some narrow stretches of Arcot Road. “As the road width between Vadapalani Bus Terminus and Vadapalani Junction is limited, footpaths could not be provided at certain locations,” he clarified.

SWD works are currently being carried out for about 960 metres between Kamarajar Statue and Vadapalani Junction. Work has been completed for around 500 metres, while the remaining is under way. Officials said that steps were being taken to complete the work before the upcoming monsoon.

“After the Metro Rail works are completed, an assessment will be carried out to identify suitable locations for footpaths, following which footpath works will be taken up,” another official added.

Residents have urged the authorities to provide proper footpaths on both sides of the road after the Metro Rail and SWD works are completed to ensure pedestrians’ safety.

The deceased was identified as Venkatraman of Tiruverkadu. Police said that he was a construction labourer and an alcoholic, which led to health complications.

Venkatraman had been suffering from intense abdominal pain for the past few days and was undergoing treatment at Kilpauk hospital since Tuesday, when around midnight, he developed severe stomach pain again.

His body was found by the public on Wednesday morning. Kilpauk police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances leading to the suicide.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call --- Sneha, Chennai: 91-44-2464 0050, 91-44-2464 0060; Maithri, Cochin: +91 239 6272; Sumaitri, New Delhi: 2338 9090; Aasra, Mumbai: 9820466726; Fortis MentalHealth: 8376804102.

Spread across 9.64 acres with the immediate periphery extending to 30-50 metres from the bund, the Old Goodshed Road Railway Pond has been encroached upon over the years, reducing its water spread to just 2.28 acres.

Core hydraulic works are already underway, including desilting, removal of invasive vegetation and Metro Rail construction debris, strengthening of the bund and construction. The works are aimed at increasing the pond’s storage capacity to 1.17 lakh cubic metres, providing flood mitigation for low-lying neighbourhoods including Nehru Nagar and MGR Nagar.

With the hydraulic restoration underway, the GCC now plans to add landscaping and public amenities to turn the waterbody into a neighbourhood asset. The consultant will prepare a concept master plan, layout drawings, preliminary cost estimates based on the GCC’s Schedule of Rates and an indicative phasing strategy.

The proposed amenities include a continuous walking and cycling track along the bund, surfaced with permeable pavers or gravel, along with entry plazas, directional signage, drop-off points and pedestrian ramps compliant with accessibility standards. The landscape plan will include native and riparian vegetation to stabilise slopes, marshy wetland edges and biodiversity zones with bird-nesting areas and floating vegetation islands.

The proposal also includes high-mast and solar-powered LED lighting, weather-resistant street furniture, educational signage and elevated viewing decks for birdwatching and passive recreation. An outdoor gym, an inclusive children's play area with rubberised safety flooring and open plazas for community gatherings and environmental activities are also planned.

To prevent garbage dumping and fresh encroachments, composite fencing will be provided, along with protective guardrails along steep slopes and water edges.

The selected consultant will first submit an inception report defining the study boundary and carry out physical and hydrological surveys. The agency will also map land use and informal usage patterns and document the existing baseline conditions.

The consultancy will involve consultations with resident welfare associations, local residents, Tondiarpet zonal officials, GCC’s Special Projects Department and Chennai Traffic Police to address access, traffic movement and public safety.

The project is part of the GCC’s broader blue-green infrastructure initiative. The civic body maintains 246 ponds across the city and has restored more than 230 of them.

Amenities on the anvil

• Space for walking and cycling

• Entry plazas with clear signage, bollards, and barrier-free ramps

• Native and Riparian planting to control erosion

• Wetland Edge treatment to create a natural-edge transition

• Biodiversity zones to attract local fauna and birds

• Solar-powered LED lights along the walking track

• Weather-resistant seating benches, bins and ecosystem educational signage

• Viewing decks

• Children’s play area with an open-air gym

• Open spaces for gatherings and community events

• Boundary fence to prevent dumping and re-encroachment

• Safety railings along steep slopes, water edges, and elevated platforms

The creepers have grown around the poles supporting the transformer, power cables and other electrical equipment. Residents said the creepers have remained around the transformer for more than 7 months without proper maintenance. They have now spread not only around the transformer but also towards the overhead power cables and electrical equipment.

The transformer is surrounded by dense creepers, leaving little space around the electrical equipment. Residents fear that the creepers could spread further during the monsoon and come into contact with the power cables. A pedestrian walkway is also located near the transformer, raising concerns for people who use it.

A resident, Yogeshwari, said, "The creepers have not been removed for more than 7 months, and no proper maintenance work has been carried out so far. The creepers growing from the nearby Otteri waterway have spread along the walkway and onto the transformer. It is frightening to walk on the pathway. Immediate maintenance work is needed in the area."

When contacted, a TNPDCL official noted that the transformer had been functioning in the area for more than five years and that its supporting poles had been damaged. He said, "The transformer is located inside the Hindustan Bible Institute campus. A new (Ring Main Unit) RMU converter transformer will be installed inside the campus to replace the existing transformer."

A Ring Main Unit converter transformer will be installed inside the campus to replace the existing transformer, assured a TNPDCL official

The official said the work is expected to be completed within a month. Once the work is completed, the old transformer will be completely removed, the official added.

Ramanujar, founder of Cycling Yogis, says the connection between the two places goes back several centuries. “It is said that the connection between India and Sri Lanka is like an umbilical bond. Such are the roots. The Boat Mail travelled from Chennai Egmore Railway Station to Dhanushkodi, from where boats carried passengers to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka,” he says.

For the author, food offers one of the easiest ways to see how the two cultures have influenced each other. “Kothu roti, sothi, maasi thokku and string hoppers are a few that stayed back. Not to mention the lungi on the textile front,” he says.

The links are also visible in Madras’ cultural history. Radio Ceylon was a familiar presence in homes before the days of the internet, while trade and travel between the two countries helped build connections that extended beyond commerce. Ramanujar also points to MGR’s links with Sri Lanka. “Our legendary Chief Minister, late Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR, had his roots in Kandy. From mercantile connections, cinema and music to food and textiles, the island nation has had a deep influence on Madras,” he adds.

The book brings together different aspects of this shared history. Historian Meenakshi Devaraj writes about the historical connections, Gayathri KK looks at textile history, while Prasanna S and Muhilan explore the culinary links between Chennai and Sri Lanka. Srishti Nadathur and Thirupurasundari Sevvel write about the Boat Mail service.

Ramanujar sees the book as a way of putting these connections together in one place. “Connecting cultural, social and religious entities among nations, especially in the Indian context, brings about a sense of pride. It also brings forward the sense of ‘vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is one family,” he concludes.

Shah arrived at the old airport in Chennai by a special flight from New Delhi at 9.10 pm. He was received by Tamil Nadu Minister Rajkumar, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, former state BJP president Pon Radhakrishnan, BJP functionaries and government officials.

After the reception, Shah left the old airport by road for a private star hotel at Kovalam on the East Coast Road, where the conference is scheduled to be held on Thursday morning.

Chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry are expected to participate in the conference. Shah will chair the meeting.

Security was stepped up at the old airport and along the routes that Shah was scheduled to take to Kovalam, with a large number of police personnel deployed as part of the security arrangements.

According to officials, CCTV footage from Central station showed a man and a bespectacled woman entering the station with the red suitcase before boarding the Tamil Nadu Express. The couple placed the suitcase inside the general compartment and got off the train before it departed. 

The footage showed the two walking towards Park station and boarding a suburban train to Tambaram. In a footage recorded later, they were seen leaving the train without the suitcase.

Police are examining CCTV recordings from Central and Park stations along the suburban route to reconstruct the couple’s movements and establish their identities. Their identities have not yet been confirmed. 

The investigation is being coordinated with the UP Government Railway Police (GRP), which registered a case after the mutilated remains were recovered from a red suitcase abandoned in the general compartment of the Chennai-Delhi Tamil Nadu Express. Railway staff found the suitcase after the train arrived at Agra on August 5.

The unidentified body was badly mutilated, with the head and some limbs missing. The UP GRP subsequently sought assistance from Tamil Nadu Police to identify the victim and trace those responsible.

Police are continuing to analyse footage from multiple locations in Chennai as the investigation progresses.

FNCRWA urged the State government to scrap the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator project, as it posed a severe health and environmental threat to North Chennai.

According to the residents, establishing a multi-speciality hospital in Perambur has been a long-pending core demand of North Chennai residents. They had been consistently insisting on a health care facility by raising the proposal with state ministers, government officials, and relevant departments on several occasions.

FNCRWA President TK Shanmugam said, “The announcement demonstrates how collective community action can successfully bring essential issues to the attention of policymakers, driving tangible change. The State government’s decision is a major milestone for North Chennai.”

Expressing gratitude and appreciation to the State government for prioritising the healthcare needs of the north region, the federation asked the administration to hasten the project forward so that residents could access modern, high-quality, free advanced healthcare services without delay. It also urged the government to address other pressing regional concerns, such as finding a permanent solution to the long-standing Kodungaiyur landfill issue and scrapping the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator project.

Which vegetable prices increased today ?

Ooty carrot – Rs 90 per kg, up by Rs 20 (compared to August 14)

Onion – Rs 50 per kg, up by Rs 12

Tomato – Rs 30 per kg, up by Rs 5

Which vegetable prices decreased today ?

Green chillies – Rs 60 per kg, down by Rs 20 (compared to August 14)

What are the prices of essential vegetables ?

Onion: Rs 50 per kg

Small onion: Rs 70 per kg

Potato: Rs 25 per kg

Tomato: Rs 30 per kg

Coconut: Rs 60 per piece

What are the prices of other vegetables ?

Ooty carrot: Rs 90 per kg

Beans: Rs 90 per kg

Garlic: Rs 240 per kg

Ginger: Rs 180 per kg

Green peas: Rs 180 per kg

Lemon: Rs 220 per kg

Green chillies: Rs 60 per kg

Brinjal: Rs 40 per kg

Bitter gourd: Rs 50 per kg

Capsicum: Rs 50 per kg

Drumstick: Rs 30 per kg

Okra: Rs 30 per kg

How much do herbs cost today ?

Coriander: Rs 7 per bunch

Mint: Rs 6 per bunch

Curry leaves: Rs 25 per bunch