The shelter roof and some of its supporting pillars are in poor condition, with a few pillars seen leaning. A portion of the structure has also been tied with ropes as a temporary safety measure, prompting the public to fear that it could collapse at any time.

Damaged structure poses safety risk

The shelter is located close to a temple and fair price shop, and with regular movement of residents in the area. Several employees working in nearby IT companies and other shops also use the footpath on this stretch. Residents fear that the damaged structure could collapse any time, posing a risk to pedestrians and motorists.

A shopkeeper, Anand, said, “The shelter may have been damaged after a large vehicle hit it during the night. Since the incident happened at night, it is not clear who hit the structure. People are now hesitant to go near the fair price shop. As a result, many are forced to walk on the road instead of using the shelter area.”

Residents seek immediate removal

Another resident, Suresh, pointed out that vehicles moved in both directions along the stretch from Kodambakkam High Road towards Valluvar Kottam as it’s a two-way road. “At night, visibility is lower, and if any part of the damaged shelter collapses, motorists and pedestrians may find it difficult to notice it in time. This could lead to accidents. The damaged shelter should therefore be removed immediately,” he opined.

Police identify person responsible

A senior Corporation official told DT Next that a case had been registered in connection with the incident and that the police had identified the person responsible for damaging the shelter. “Safety measures have been taken to prevent people from approaching the damaged structure,” he added.

Though the structure was bent due to the impact, it has been temporarily secured with ropes. There is no impact on bus services as buses are not operated on this particular stretch of the road.

For historian Meenakshi Devaraj, Ayudha Pooja, observed on Mahanavami in the state, brings back vivid childhood memories. The day is dedicated to expressing gratitude for the tools and objects used in everyday life, from the traditional aruvalmanai (vegetable cutter) to the uppu jaadi (salt container). “Much like Pongal, I remember how the entire house would be cleaned, and manjal and kungumam would be applied to almost everything possible, including doors, cupboards, the gas stove and more,” she recalls.

As a child, it was one of her favourite festivals. All the books at home would be placed in the pooja room for a day, which meant that the children were not expected to study. “All our books would be placed in the pooja room for a day, and nobody could ask us to take them out and study!” she says. The pooja for the family’s vehicles was another highlight, followed by a small amount of money that made the occasion even more exciting.

Among these memories, one object stands out: a tiny Saraswathi idol in her family home, believed to be more than a hundred years old. It would be placed on top of the books during the pooja. “As a child, I never truly appreciated her beauty. Today, I look at her with a different eye, admiring her beauty and the memories she brings back of Ayudha Pooja celebrations from my childhood,” she says.

After marriage, a Ravi Varma painting of Saraswathi became the centrepiece of Meenakshi’s Ayudha Pooja celebrations. The following morning, on Vijayadashami, a special pooja would be performed early, after which the children would be woken up and asked to sit down to study, marking an auspicious beginning to learning once again.

Celebrating womanhood through golu

For Aruna Anand, Navaratri has always been a celebration of womanhood and community. She believes the festival brings women together regardless of their age or marital status. “Navaratri is an emblematic festival. Irrespective of whether you have Navaratri in your house or are part of a religious tradition, you are always part of the celebration. It was always a festival where you celebrate womanhood. You don’t see the marital status or age; you invite women and celebrate women. That’s always something that I grew up with and something I truly believe in,” Aruna says.

Although the family she married into does not have a golu tradition, her maternal family has preserved it across generations. Many of the dolls in her mother’s collection were inherited from earlier generations and brought from their ancestral village in Chittur, Palakkad. “Navaratri is not only of a religious tone; it is a show and tell of the family as well,” she says.

Heirlooms that tell stories of another era

The collection reflects the artistic influences and tastes of another era. Alongside traditional clay and papier-mâché figures are porcelain dolls depicting mythological characters and animals. Aruna also remembers a porcelain tea set that children would play with. Some of these fragile objects have broken over the years, but the surviving dolls continue to be part of the family’s annual display.

Aruna is particularly fascinated by the colours and proportions of the older dolls. Unlike many contemporary figures, which often feature brighter colours and accentuated cheeks, these dolls have muted pastel shades and delicate features. “In those days, all the colours were very muted. Now, they are much more eye-catching, with brighter colours. The dolls of those days had pastel blues and pastel pinks, which are very different from the colour palette of today,” she says.

She believes the dolls offer clues to the artistic influences of their time, including European paintings and Ravi Varma’s lithographs. The proportions of the figures also interest her, particularly the way women described in classical poetry appear to have been represented in their forms. Her family takes care to preserve the heirlooms with minimal restoration, retaining their original character.

Traditional dolls and changing displays

The marapachi bommai, a traditional pair of wooden dolls, remains another important part of their golu. On Vijayadashami, after the concluding pooja, the dolls are symbolically put to sleep until the next Navaratri. “On the tenth day of Navaratri, after you finish your Vijayadashami pooja, the first two dolls that are put to sleep are the marapachi bommai. You put them to sleep, Navaratri is over, and the dolls go into hibernation till the next year,” she explains.

Other familiar elements include the Dasavataram series and gowri bommai, figures whose body parts can be arranged in different positions and dressed according to the mythological scene being presented. Traditionally, golu displays largely depicted stories from mythology, with families using dolls to recreate familiar narratives. Today, displays increasingly incorporate contemporary ideas, social themes and visual storytelling.

Adding a personal touch to tradition

For Aruna, the festival’s appeal goes beyond the display itself. It is also an opportunity to meet people, dress up in sarees, wear jewellery and enjoy the company of friends and family. “I prepare a mix of sweet and savoury offerings over the nine days, alternating between sundal and sweets such as kesari. Paal boli is another preparation I make at least once during the festival. When you take up traditions, it is nice to add your own personal element. It ensures that it becomes yours as well and you are not just doing it mechanically,” she says.

Gratitude as a lasting lesson

Dr Lakshmi Ramaswamy, a Bharatanatyam exponent and teacher, associates Navaratri with a lesson her parents, Sundari and Jayakrishnan, taught her while growing up: gratitude. Besides setting up the family pooja room in Tirunelveli, visiting golu displays and dressing as Radha and Krishna with her cousins, she remembers the importance her family placed on meeting teachers during the festival. “Amma used to carefully gather things, with personal attention to each of my teachers, like sarees and other auspicious things. Meeting teachers during class is altogether a different set-up. Meeting them on this auspicious day and making them happy was precious,” she says.

For Lakshmi, Mahanavami is a time to pray to Jaganmatha, reflect on the past and cultivate gratitude for the good things in life while looking forward to new beginnings. Seeing her own students express that gratitude brings her a sense of fulfilment. “When some of my students who spend full time in dance, like Jagyaseni Chatterjee, learn to reciprocate the gratitude and greet me with true love, I think life beautifully comes full circle,” she says.

A tribute to the Cholas through Ponniyin Selvan

When visitors look at Ramya Shankar’s Golu, they might recognise a character from Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films before identifying the historical figure behind it. For Ramya, that moment of recognition is what makes her theme worthwhile. “I have always felt that the Chola dynasty deserves so much more recognition than it receives today,” she says, pointing to the dynasty’s contributions to architecture, temple construction, administration, trade and maritime expeditions. Her display is a personal tribute to the Chola kings and their legacy, drawing inspiration from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s celebrated historical novel and the renewed interest generated by its film adaptations.

Ponniyin Selvan offers a compelling entry point into a larger historical world. Ramya wanted her Golu to give visitors a glimpse of that world, including those who may not have read the novel. She finds it amusing when visitors identify a character by the actor who portrayed them rather than by the character’s name. Yet she sees this familiarity as an opportunity to spark conversations about the story and the history behind it.

Translating a richly imagined literary world into a physical display presented its own challenges. The palaces, costumes and settings that readers visualise while reading the novel had to be recreated within the practical constraints of a Golu arrangement. The setup took a day, followed by another day of photographing the display, with adjustments along the way to bring the overall vision together.

For Ramya, Golu need not be restricted to deities and mythology. She believes traditions should evolve and make room for new ideas while retaining their essence. If the display encourages even a few visitors to explore Kalki’s novel or learn more about the Cholas, she considers it a meaningful way to celebrate Tamil literature and history.

Aalayam: A divine temple tour powered by technology

What if a visit to a traditional South Indian temple could be experienced through a Golu display at home? That is the idea behind Vijay Rajan N and his family’s Aalayam: A Divine Temple Tour, an elaborate presentation comprising 35 themes and sub-themes.

Conceived as a journey through temple life, the display takes visitors through a Golu mandapam and temple gopurams to the mada veedhi, theppakulam, goshalai, sannidhis, chariot processions and prasadam seva. Each section represents a different aspect of temple life, bringing together architecture, rituals, spirituality and community life.

The family has also incorporated technology to animate parts of the display. A moving golden chariot, a moving ther veethi ula model and an AI-assisted Kumbhabhishegam presentation add movement and visual interest to the traditional arrangement. For Rajan, however, technology is meant to enhance the experience rather than replace the spiritual essence of Golu.

The preparation involved months of conceptualisation and around five months of dedicated work. The family planned the themes, sourced dolls and props, designed the layouts and coordinated the arrangements across multiple floors and rooms. One of the challenges was ensuring that the 35 sections retained their individual identities while contributing to a coherent temple journey.

Beyond the grand deities and illuminated chariot, Rajan says, the smaller details matter too. Scenes depicting prasadam seva and temple administration draw attention to the service, discipline and collective effort that sustain a temple. The family hopes the display will encourage younger visitors to engage with their cultural heritage through a combination of traditional storytelling and technology.

The family’s efforts earned recognition from the India Book of Records in 2024 and World Records India for its 2025 Golu achievement, which was recognised in 2026. Yet Rajan sees the experience primarily as a family endeavour and an opportunity to share traditions with visitors. The display is open to visitors at 43 Sakthi Vinayagar Koil Street, Vinayagapuram, Ambattur.

Bringing the spirit of Golu to a retirement home

At a retirement home, the most meaningful part of Golu may not be the grandeur of the display but the sight of residents dressing up for the festival, joining the puja and recalling celebrations with their families. That is the experience the Mylapore Trio, comprising Amarnath, Aparna and Surendranath, hopes to create through its initiative to introduce thematic Golus at a retirement home.

The trio has created two displays at different locations. At the retirement home, the main theme explores Shaivam and Vaishnavam, presenting their deities, stories, temples and philosophical traditions through carefully arranged dolls. At their own home, the second display explores Dvayam Tattvam, the idea of pairs and dualities, through religious figures and stories.

The initiative is rooted in the cultural and philanthropic values instilled in the trio by their foster parents, Sunkhi and Rajasekaran. Having promoted cultural activities among younger generations, they wanted to extend the experience to senior citizens, many of whom live apart from their children and grandchildren.

Aparna recalls encouraging residents to bring out their traditional sarees and clothes and dress up for the celebrations. Some asked their children to send their clothes so they could participate. The festivities have grown into social gatherings where residents perform puja, receive prasadam, sing and recite slokas, and learn about the stories behind the dolls.

Daily morning and evening aarti, naivedyam and storytelling sessions help recreate familiar festival routines. Residents also call their children to share that they have performed puja that day, bringing their families into the experience even from a distance. Surendranath says residents often sit for half an hour or longer to listen to the stories, despite the discomfort that can accompany age and health concerns.

Though the work has been completed, only stones have been placed over the excavated portion, leaving the stretch uneven.

With vehicles continuing to use the busy road, the uneven surface and pothole-like portions are causing inconvenience to motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders. Motorists are forced to slow down while crossing the stretch as vehicles shake when passing over the uneven portion.

Residents said the damaged stretch posed a safety risk for both pedestrians and motorists. A resident, Sanjay, said, “The uneven portion is very difficult to cross. In particular, two-wheeler riders struggle as vehicles become unstable while passing over the pothole. Children and elderly people also face difficulty while crossing this stretch. Minor accidents have been occurring occasionally.”

Concurring with him was auto driver Sarath, who added: “At night, there is a risk of accidents as motorists may not notice the uneven portion and fall into it. A ‘Go Slow’ warning board should be placed near the stretch for the safety of motorists, especially those unfamiliar with the road.” A senior TNPDCL official told DT Next that the cable-laying work was completed and stones were temporarily placed over the excavated portion. “The road will be restored and concrete laid over the stretch soon,” he said.

It has warned that a few places in Chennai could receive heavy rain, with occasional very heavy spells. The city is expected to remain generally cloudy, with a maximum temperature of 32-33 degree Celsius and a minimum of 24-25 degree Celsius.

Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds of 40-50 kmph is also likely in several other districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

The rainfall activity is being influenced by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coast, with a trough extending to the northwest Bay of Bengal, the weather department added.

On Saturday night, the northeast monsoon entered an active phase, with several parts of the city witnessing heavy rains, leaving many localities inundated and causing traffic disruptions. North Chennai bore the initial brunt, recording between 6 cm and 10 cm of rainfall in less than an hour.

Following the overnight downpour, the weather department issued a red alert for Chennai on Sunday but later downgraded it to yellow, while issuing an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places across Tamil Nadu.

What is the rain forecast for Tamil Nadu in the coming days?

October 20: Orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in isolated places in Theni, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts. Yellow alert for heavy rain in several other districts, including Chennai, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Salem, Tiruchy and Kanniyakumari, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

October 21: Orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Madurai, Theni, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Dindigul districts. Yellow alert for heavy rain in Chennai and several other districts.

October 22: Yellow alert for heavy rain in several districts, including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.

October 23: Yellow alert for heavy rain in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Dindigul and Madurai districts.

October 24: Yellow alert for heavy rain in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

(The IMD classifies rainfall alerts as yellow for 6–11 cm, orange for 12–20 cm and red for over 20 cm of rainfall within 24 hours)

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,08,560 per sovereign and Rs 13,570 per gram, an increase of Rs 35 per gram.

Earlier, on October 17, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,08,280 per sovereign and Rs 13,535 per gram.

Silver prices remain unchanged

Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged and continue to sell at Rs 240 per gram (Rs 2,40,000 per kg) on October 19.

On October 17, silver was priced at Rs 240 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 59,750 per sovereign (Rs 11,950 per gram) on October 18, 2025, to Rs 1,08,560 per sovereign (Rs 13,570 per gram) on October 19, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 48,810 per sovereign or about 81.69%.

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

October 17, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,280 | 1 gram - Rs 13,535

October 16, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,120 | 1 gram - Rs 13,515

October 15, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,120 | 1 gram - Rs 13,515

October 14, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,720 | 1 gram - Rs 13,590

October 13, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,09,480 | 1 gram - Rs 13,685

Silver price over the last five days:

October 17, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 16, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 15, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 13, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

Speaking to reporters in Tirunelveli, he said experts had forecast that the northeast monsoon could bring heavy rainfall within short periods, following below-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon.

“Several countries are facing drought conditions due to Super El Niño. The southwest monsoon rainfall was low, and experts have said that the northeast monsoon could bring heavy rainfall within a short period,” he said.

Shahjahan said water had stagnated in several parts of Chennai after Saturday’s heavy spell but claimed the situation was rectified immediately. He added that precautionary steps were being taken to prevent damage during the northeast monsoon.

Shahjahan said the party was under pressure to strengthen its position, pointing to a decline in its vote share in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, constituencies where it had previously been influential. He questioned whether the party was trying to rebuild its strength by inducting actors, referring to remarks by AIADMK leader KT Rajenthra Bhalaji, who invited actor Dhanush to join the Dravidian major.

“In a democracy, anyone can enter politics. People come into politics with the intention of serving the public, but it is the people who decide who should come to power,” he said. The minister also said the TVK was ideologically opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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 Monday.

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:

October 18 - Rs 107.77

October 17 - Rs 107.77

October 16 - Rs 107.77

October 15 - Rs 107.77

October 14 - Rs 107.77

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

October 18 - Rs 99.55

October 17 - Rs 99.55

October 16 - Rs 99.55

October 15 - Rs 99.55

October 14 - Rs 99.55

Police began investigations after an official with the private firm engaged by the Corporation for cleanliness work in Zone 10 found the fraud and filed a complaint. The supervisor, Karthikeyan, had allegedly marked attendance for one Mahalakshmi as a cleanliness worker, though she never reported for duty.

Her salary of Rs 19,800 per month, totalling Rs 98,930 for five months, was credited to her son's bank account. Her son, Pandian, also works as a cleanliness worker in the same firm.

A police team from St Thomas Mount station verified muster rolls, salary sheets and bank transactions and found that Karthikeyan and Pandian had colluded to execute the fraud. Karthikeyan had been collecting a monthly commission from Pandian for facilitating the fraud.

The police arrested Pandian (29) of Annai Sathya Nagar in Arumbakkam on Saturday and recovered Rs 40,000 cash from him. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded in prison. Police said efforts are on to trace Karthikeyan, who is the main accused and is absconding. Further investigations are under way.

The development comes days after Priya presided over a DMK protest against the TVK government, alleging that elected corporation representatives were being sidelined in monsoon preparedness activities.

Deputy Mayor M Mageshkumar also expressed displeasure over what he described as protocol breaches, communication delays and a lack of response from officials. He said he was not invited to Ripon Building during the Chief Minister’s visit.

Criticising the unavailability of civic officials for field inspections, Mageshkumar said requests for inspections were often met with the response that officials were occupied with meetings with higher authorities. He cited an instance in which a request for a morning inspection received a response only in the evening.

Speaking to the media on Sunday morning, GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran acknowledged that the stormwater drain (SWD) network was functioning. Mageshkumar, meanwhile, pointed out that the existing stormwater drain network had been constructed during the DMK regime.

During inspections around 1 am on Sunday, Mageshkumar visited Broadway, Triplicane, Anna Salai and Egmore. Along General Patters Road, he found plastic waste blocking catchpits, potentially obstructing rainwater flow.

He urged the civic body to temporarily increase the number of workers deployed to clear waste and maintain stormwater drains to improve the city’s response to the ongoing monsoon.

At present, it houses the headquarters of both Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and also the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), and also two MTC depots.

Sources in the government said the MTC campus was among the locations under consideration, but no final decision had been taken. An official announcement on the location of the proposed Secretariat complex is expected within a week, sources said.

"The area has around 13.22 acres of land, along with buildings, and could be suitable for the new Secretariat campus. Secretariat employees would also be able to commute easily by bus, suburban train, and also Metro Rail," an official told DT Next.

Government land offers key advantage

For the government, Pallavan House land offers two key advantages. As the land already belongs to the government, requiring no additional acquisition, it would not lead to evictions and resultant accusations of high-handedness. Thus, it is politically convenient to pick the spot.

Also, for the hundreds of government employees stationed at the Secretariat – and countless others, including members of the public, who have to visit the administrative nerve centre – it would offer convenience in terms of everyday logistics.

Incidentally, the location is close to the Omandurar Government Estate, where the previous DMK regime had constructed a new Secretariat complex over a decade and half ago.

CMBT may house transport headquarters

If the Pallavan House campus is chosen, the government will have to identify an alternative location for the MTC headquarters. Officials said the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu could be considered for relocating the transport corporations' headquarters, as it would allow bus operations to be monitored from the same premises.

Fisherfolk, Opposition oppose Foreshore Estate plan

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced in the Assembly that a new Secretariat and Assembly complex would be constructed at Foreshore Estate at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore, with a built-up area of 20 lakh square feet. The announcement triggered protests by fishing communities, which were strengthened after opposition parties – and also alliance partners like the CPI and CPM – joined them in opposing the proposed location.

Secretariat relocation plans have a history

Proposals to construct a new Secretariat-Assembly complex have faced opposition in Tamil Nadu in the past as well.

In 2003, the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa announced a plan to build a new Secretariat on the Queen Mary's College campus. The proposal, which involved demolishing a portion of the college premises, triggered protests by students, and was eventually dropped amid political and legal opposition. Kotturpuram was subsequently explored as an alternative location in 2004, but that proposal did not materialise.

During the DMK regime led by M Karunanidhi, a new Secretariat-Assembly complex was built on the Omandurar Government Estate on Anna Salai. Though inaugurated in March 2010, it functioned only for a brief while, as Jaya returned to power and shifted the Assembly and Secretariat back to Fort St. George.

The Omandurar complex, built at a cost of more than Rs 1,000 crore, was subsequently converted into a government hospital.

LAND AVAILABLE AT PALLAVAN HOUSE CAMPUS

• MTC depot - 7.55 acres

• Old SETC campus - 3.957 acres

• Pallavan House - 1.701 acres

"I always opt for cash on delivery when booking a cylinder. And I always paid through UPI by scanning the QR code on the delivery person’s mobile phone. However, now they refuse to accept UPI payments and insist on payment by cash, citing the new MDR rule,” said N Anitha, a resident of Kodambakkam.

Gas agencies say they are reluctant to accept digital payments during deliveries due to the MDR fee imposed on UPI transactions.

Agencies have advised consumers to make payments online while booking cylinders to avoid difficulties during delivery. "If consumers pay in advance while booking their cylinders, neither the consumer nor the delivery staff will have to face unpleasant situations at the time of delivery," said Mohan, an employee of a gas agency.

The Union government has fixed a flat fee of Rs 5 on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 in essential services including railways, fuel, telecommunications and insurance. UPI payments remain free for the end consumer, and merchants are prohibited from passing the fee directly to the customer.

Residents of Vyasar Nagar Colony in Vyasarpadi and daily commuters noted they have been enduring this issue for over three decades, and during intense monsoon spells, heavy waterlogging submerges the Ganesapuram Subway every year.

Knee-deep water despite drainage works

Following overnight rains on Sunday morning, Stephenson Road witnessed near-knee-deep water stagnation. R Sekar, a resident of Vyasar Nagar Colony, shared his frustration: "Every year we witness Stephenson Road inundated. We thought the GCC's ongoing storm-water drain construction, high-power dewatering pumps, and rainwater collection system near the subway would ensure smooth drainage. However, water is still mostly being pumped out manually using motors."

Six heavy-duty motors deployed

Following an inspection on Stephenson Road, Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) Chairman and TVK North Chennai District Secretary V Siva assured residents that swift measures are under way to fix the stagnation between BB Road and Ganesapuram Subway permanently.

"We understand public concerns and have deployed over six heavy-duty motors to clear the water. Officials are expediting infrastructure plans to ensure a complete, long-term solution before the next heavy spell, prioritising residents' safety and well-being," said Siva. Further, he added that civic workers are receiving full cooperation from the public as drainage operations continue intensively across affected stretches.

Box drain to improve water flow

Speaking to DT Next, an official in the Chennai Corporation explained, "Earlier, water was diverted into Otteri Nullah via the Ganesapuram Subway. We are now replacing the old, low-capacity storm-water drain with a larger box drain measuring 8 feet in height and 4 feet in width, extending from Stephenson Road to the Goods Shed Pond beneath GNT Road. Only 15 meters of drain work remains pending," the official said.

Goods Shed Pond capacity expanded

Additionally, GCC has expanded the Goods Shed Pond's capacity on railway land from three acres to 10 acres. Rainwater will be disposed of directly into the pond; authorities believe it will reduce flooding and provide a permanent solution.

Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government (MAWS Department), inspected the ongoing dewatering efforts on the spot.

Tasmac shop no. 898, at No. 537, LB Road, is located in the same complex as Sami Kitchen restaurant. The Greater Chennai Corporation's Town Planning wing on September 11 issued an enforcement notice identifying its 839.59 sq ft ground-floor development at the premises illegal.

The GCC directed the owner/occupier to restore the premises to their condition before the unauthorised development and discontinue their use within 30 days of receiving it. If the directions are not followed, the Corporation can initiate further action under the Act. This includes locking and sealing the premises under Section 56 (2-A) if their use is not discontinued, apart from action under Section 56 (5) to demolish or alter the unauthorised development and recover the costs.

Corporation confirms building has no approved plan

An official from Zone 13 confirmed to DT Next that the building did not have an approved building plan.

"Tasmac, Sami Kitchen and the attached bar were operating in the same complex as one property," he said.

The Corporation has continued to collect property tax, which the official attributed to avoiding revenue loss.

Activist alleges inaction despite repeated complaints

Social worker O Unnikrishnan submitted a complaint to Tasmac Managing Director K Nanthakumar on June 11 and raised the issue. The complaint alleged that shop no. 898 was operating in an illegal building and alleged that the address, No. 537, LB Road, was forged.

"How can a government corporation like Tasmac lease premises without verifying the relevant property documents? Won't they even look who the title owner is?" he asked. He added that despite repeated petitions to the Tasmac officials, the outlet continues to operate without hindrance.

TASMAC withholds payments pending land ownership clarification

Tasmac's General Manager (Retail Vending) J Partheeban said that the corporation had received a report on the complaint and had also received a communication stating that the land actually belonged to the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB).

"We are waiting for the TNUHDB's reply on the land's ownership position. Meanwhile, we have instructed not to make payments to the outlet until then," the general manager said. He added that Tasmac would take appropriate action if unauthorised encroachment or occupation was established.

— R Saravanan, Chennai

n the 2011 Census, there was a column for caste, and most of today's data is based on that alongside projected figures from IIT. However, several issues were raised regarding the inclusion of a caste column. Only after the Bihar government conducted its enumeration did it become a national issue, leading the Central government to agree to collect caste details. Yet, the Centre has compromised the process by asking respondents to state their caste on their own, rather than providing enumerators with an approved list.

As is well known, castes often use titles, and recording a title instead of the actual caste will create confusion. Many distinct castes share the same title, making it impossible to identify whether a group belongs to an advanced section or a backward class. Furthermore, various castes have sub-castes that are pronounced differently across regions. The present attempt by the Centre will only defeat the very purpose of caste enumeration. The data collected will be difficult to collate and analyse. The Centre's half-hearted approach seems designed to defeat the objective of gathering such data.

Abolish NEET to end ill-treatment of candidates

After witnessing children being subjected to inhumane checks and frisking at NEET exam centres, ostensibly to protect the integrity of the test, it's shocking that the CBI suspects subject experts engaged by the NTA of involvement in paper leaks. Preliminary findings reportedly suggest that NTA facilities even lack CCTV surveillance to prevent fraudulent activities. According to the CBI case, experts accused of leaking question papers were repeatedly engaged without adequate verification, allowing the malpractice to continue with impunity. Why is the system so cruel to students, treating them like criminals in the name of security, while allegedly allowing question paper leaks at the highest levels with basic surveillance safeguards missing?

— K Muruganantham, Mylapore, Chennai

The fundamental issue is whether we need NEET at all or simply a fair examination process. Tamil Nadu almost unanimously demands the abolition of NEET, in which case all grievances regarding the manhandling and ill-treatment of candidates would disappear.

Despite technological advancements, the agency has been unable to conduct a fair examination. Ours is perhaps the only country where armed forces are deployed to conduct a student test, making us a laughing stock globally. To prevent the ill-treatment of our children simply because they choose to write NEET, the best solution is to abolish NEET and allow each State to implement its own legally authorised selection system.

On the Blue and Green Lines, the Metro services will operate from 5 am to 11 pm. Trains will run at intervals of ten minutes between 5 am and noon and between 8 pm and 10 pm.

During the afternoon and evening peak period, from noon to 8 pm, the trains will be available every seven minutes. The frequency will be reduced to one train every 15 minutes between 10 pm and 11 pm.

On the newly opened Yellow Line, the Metro services will operate from 7 am to 9 pm on both days, with trains available at intervals of 15 minutes throughout the operating hours.

CMRL has urged commuters to plan their journeys according to the revised holiday schedule.

Earlier, devotees were charged Rs 5 to deposit their phones in the lockers. However, the difficulty in providing change during peak hours reportedly led to long waiting times.

Since September, devotees have been advised not to carry mobile phones inside the temples and to deposit them in lockers provided on the premises. The Rs 5 fee reportedly added to the time taken to deposit phones, particularly during periods of heavy footfall.

Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Triplicane, said that the locker facility was initially useful, but the process later became time-consuming. “The locker facility was useful to some extent when it was introduced. Later, people started spending more time depositing their phones,” he explained. “When devotees were also allowed to carry their phones, questions arose as to why Rs 5 was charged for the locker facility and why it was later stopped. At present, not many people are coming forward to use the locker facility.”

Ramalingam, a resident of Mylapore, said mobile phones were necessary in certain situations and devotees should be allowed to use them during emergencies. “Carrying a mobile phone inside the temple is necessary in some situations but not for taking photographs and videos inside the temple. Mobile phones are essential during emergencies to contact family members or others,” he added. “Therefore, instead of completely restricting mobile phone use, devotees may be allowed to use them only for emergencies while avoiding unnecessary photography and videography.”

Deepak, another Mylapore resident, welcomed the decision to make the locker facility free. “If necessary, devotees can carry their phones with them after switching them off. This helps avoid standing in queues to deposit phones in lockers and reduces crowding. It also allows devotees to proceed for darshan without delay,” he said.

A temple official said that the facility had been made free to reduce inconvenience to devotees.

Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai also issued an orange alert to neighbouring Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts and western districts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Theni district in the same period.

The red alert means a forecast of extremely heavy rainfall above 20 cm, and the orange alert means a forecast of very heavy rainfall above 11 cm.

RMC in its weather bulletin issued at 2.30 pm on Sunday said rainfall occurred in most places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal regions over the last 24 hours.

The bulletin further said that Saturday’s upper air cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh has become less marked.

However, heavy rains lashed Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, marking the first and heavy spell of the northeast monsoon.

The weather report further said that Parry's Corner in Chennai received the highest rainfall of 36 cm in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Sunday, followed by Kathivakkam near here receiving 34 cm during the same period.

An official release from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) further added that despite severe weather conditions that dumped over 30 cm of rain in parts of the metropolis, proactive field operations, round-the-clock rescue efforts, and continued coordination ensured that major thoroughfares and subways were cleared of waterlogging with no casualties or major accidents reported.

The release further added that all 22 subways in Chennai were cleared of waterlogging and safely opened for traffic by 6 am on Sunday.

Additionally, one team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and four teams from the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) were actively deployed on the ground to handle vulnerable pockets.

For public safety, nine relief centres were established, and food provisions were steadily distributed to residents living in low-lying areas in the city.

Rainwater has now been completely cleared from all major bus routes and most streets. Pumping operations in a few remaining low-lying pockets are in their final stages and will wrap up shortly, leaving the overall situation entirely under control, the release claimed.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Minister for Public Works and Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna, separately visited the Ripon Building, GCC headquarters, following heavy rainfall across the city and red alert.

During his visit, Aadhav Arjuna met teams from NDRF and TNDRF deployed for rescue operations, held consultations, and issued necessary directives regarding rescue and relief measures.

The special buses had been operated from five locations in Chennai, including KCBT in Kilambakkam, the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Bus Terminus in Koyambedu, Madhavaram New Bus Terminus, the temporary bus terminus at the CMDA Climate Park and the temporary bus terminus at Maraimalai Nagar.

Under the revised arrangement, buses bound for Polur, Chetpet and Vandavasi via Tiruvannamalai, which were earlier operated from the temporary bus terminus at the CMDA Climate Park, will now depart from platform 7 at KCBT. Similarly, buses bound for Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam and Thanjavur, which were operated from the temporary bus terminus at Maraimalai Nagar, will now depart from platform 5 at KCBT.

Passengers have been advised to take note of the changes and plan their journeys accordingly.

Meanwhile, around 4.15 lakh passengers have travelled on special and regular buses operated from Chennai during the three-day Ayudha Pooja holiday rush from October 15-17, according to the transport department.

A total of 9,571 buses were operated during the period, including 6,573 regular services and 2,998 special buses. Of the special services, 2,528 were operated by state transport corporations and 470 by private operators.

Water pipeline installation work is under way on the stretch connecting East Tambaram, under Tambaram Corporation, with Velachery in Chennai. Motorists alleged that contractors had failed to properly fill the excavated pits and restore the road even in sections where the pipeline work had been completed.

Following the heavy rain, water accumulated in the pits, making them difficult to spot. Several vehicles, including cars, goods lorries and a Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus, got stuck in the submerged pits and were left tilted on the road.

The stranded vehicles disrupted traffic, resulting in severe congestion. Vehicles travelling from East Tambaram towards Velachery were forced to wait for extended periods, causing inconvenience to commuters and two-wheeler riders.

Motorists blamed the contractors executing the water pipeline work for failing to fill the pits and relay the road after completing the work. They urged the authorities to ensure that the damaged stretches were repaired promptly to prevent further inconvenience and accidents, particularly during the monsoon.

Although the rain stopped by Sunday morning, rainwater remained stagnant at a height of nearly three feet in vacant plots near residential areas.

Residents feared that further rainfall could raise water levels and cause water to enter their homes.

They urged the authorities to clear blockages and obstructions in connecting stormwater drains to ensure the stagnant water was drained quickly.

Meanwhile, more than 10 electricity poles in Varadharajapuram were found leaning, raising concerns about public safety. Residents said there had been heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on Sunday night, but no strong winds. They suspected that the soil around the bases of the poles might have loosened.

With the continued rainfall increasing soil moisture, residents feared that the poles could tilt further and fall, potentially causing electrical accidents and damage to property, besides endangering lives.

They urged electricity board officials to inspect the leaning poles and carry out immediate repairs before the northeast monsoon intensifies or another spell of heavy rain or strong winds hits the area.

Vehicles entering and leaving the bus terminus struggled to navigate the flooded stretch, with cars and other vehicles appearing to wade through a pool of water.

Motorists attributed the recurring problem to inadequate stormwater drains to carry rainwater to nearby waterbodies. They said the lack of proper drainage had led to severe waterlogging following heavy rainfall.

The flooding disrupted vehicle movement on GST Road and affected access to the bus terminus, a major transport hub in Chennai’s suburbs.

An IndiGo flight carrying 184 passengers from Kolkata was diverted to Hyderabad after it could not land in Chennai due to the adverse weather conditions. More than 10 flights arriving from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Madurai, Tiruchy and Kolkata were forced to circle in the air for an extended period before landing.

The flights were able to land one after another after the rain eased.

Meanwhile, 12 flights scheduled to depart from Chennai, including domestic services to Madurai, Kochi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Delhi, were delayed by one to two hours. International services to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sri Lanka, Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi were also delayed.

The heavy rain also caused inconvenience to passengers inside and outside the airport. Water accumulated in aircraft parking areas, making it difficult for passengers to disembark from aircraft parked at stands without aerobridges.

Passengers had to walk through standing water to board pick-up vehicles. Those wearing shoes faced particular difficulty navigating the flooded areas.

The situation was similar at the airport's departure and arrival portico, where rainwater flowed in large volumes. Vehicles arriving to pick up passengers struggled to stop and collect them, while passengers had to wade through water to reach their vehicles.

The disruption continued from Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, causing considerable inconvenience to air travellers.

Motorists using the subway faced considerable inconvenience as rainwater flooded the stretch, which connects GST Road with the Tambaram-Velachery Main Road and is used by cars, autorickshaws and two-wheelers.

According to motorists, the water level in the subway rose as the rain continued through the night. Several vehicles, including cars, struggled to pass through the flooded stretch.

A car was caught in the accumulated water and appeared to float like a boat. The occupants got out of the vehicle, and local residents helped retrieve it from the flooded subway.

Motorists alleged that the electric motors installed to pump out rainwater were not switched on promptly, allowing water to accumulate in the subway.

They said the situation could have been avoided if Tambaram Corporation workers had activated the pumps as soon as the rain began and monitored the water level to ensure its timely removal.

Residents urged the civic body to take precautionary measures during the monsoon, speed up rainwater removal and ensure that the subway remains safe for motorists during heavy rainfall.

Minister Aadhav Arjuna has been appointed as the coordinating minister to supervise flood preparedness and relief measures in the city.

The government has directed the ministers to speed up rescue operations and take necessary steps in areas affected by waterlogging. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has instructed the ministers to return to Chennai immediately and oversee the relief work.

Chennai rain relief: Ministers and zones assigned

The government has assigned the following zones to the ministers:

Tiruvottiyur and Manali: HR&CE Minister S Ramesh

Tondiarpet and Madhavaram: Commercial Taxes Minister D Lokesh Tamilselvan

Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar: Health and Family Welfare Minister KG Arunraj

Ambattur, Anna Nagar and Teynampet: Minister M Vijay Balaji

Kodambakkam and Valasaravakkam: Minister for Mineral Resources TK Prabhu

Alandur and Adyar: Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban

Perungudi and Sholinganallur: Minister for Prohibition and Excise K Vignesh

The ministers have been asked to coordinate with officials and ensure that precautionary measures and relief operations are carried out without delay.

A total of 9,571 buses were operated during the period, including 6,573 regular services and 2,998 special buses. Of the special services, 2,528 were operated by state transport corporations and 470 by private operators.

Special buses were operated from five locations in Chennai: Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam, Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Bus Terminus at Koyambedu, Madhavaram bus terminus, the temporary bus terminus at the CMDA climate park and the temporary bus terminus at Maraimalai Nagar.

On October 15, a total of 2,546 buses, including 2,191 regular services and 355 special buses, were operated, carrying 1.15 lakh passengers.

On October 16, 3,346 buses, comprising 2,191 regular services and 1,155 special buses, were operated until midnight, transporting 1.47 lakh passengers.

On October 17, another 3,679 buses, including 2,191 regular services and 1,488 special buses, were operated until midnight, carrying 1.53 lakh passengers.

The transport department arranged additional services to accommodate the increased passenger demand during the festive holiday period.

According to the RMC, 17 locations recorded very heavy rainfall and 18 locations received heavy rainfall during the period. The city recorded an average rainfall of 105.96 mm.

Parrys received 363.4 mm of rain, followed by Kathivakkam (344.4 mm), Meenambakkam (285.8 mm), Chennai Central (274.5 mm), Tiruvottiyur (224.4 mm) and Ennore (215.8 mm). Rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm is classified as extremely heavy.

Among the areas that recorded very heavy rainfall, Kargil Nagar received 192.4 mm, Cemetery Road 179.4 mm, Saidapet 170.2 mm, Pudupet 142 mm and Ice House 138.6 mm.

Heavy rainfall was reported in several other parts of the city, including Tondiarpet (166.5 mm), Madhavaram (126.3 mm), New Manali Town (121.8 mm) and Madipakkam (120.6 mm). Aminjikarai received 96.9 mm.

Moderate rainfall was recorded in 22 locations, while two areas received light rainfall.

The intense spell triggered waterlogging and inundation in several parts of Chennai, including AGS Colony in Velachery, Prakasam Road in Broadway and Ice House in Triplicane, besides other low-lying areas.

A rescue team comprising 30 personnel equipped with six boats was deployed in the inundated AGS Colony area in Velachery.

Geetha Ganesh, a resident of AGS Colony, said several major streets in the western part of the locality experienced waterlogging, with water stagnating up to two feet on some roads.

"By morning, the water had started receding and flowing into Veerangal Odai. The roads in neighbouring areas are at a higher level, so water needs to be pumped out whenever there is heavy rain like the spell witnessed last night," she said.

Meanwhile, the RMC said satellite imagery indicated significant convective cloud development over north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining sea areas, associated with a cyclonic circulation over the region. This weather system is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall over Chennai and its neighbourhood on Sunday.

The Minister inspected the State Disaster Management Control Room at Ezhilagam and the Integrated Command and Control Centre at the Ripon Building complex. He also visited severely waterlogged areas, including Parrys, Broadway Bus Terminus and Triplicane.

Speaking after the inspections, Aadhav Arjuna said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was receiving hourly updates on the situation, while ministers were overseeing relief and response operations on the ground.

He said the control room was functioning round the clock and urged residents to contact the GCC helpline at 1913 to report water stagnation and emergencies. He also appealed to news channels to continuously display the helpline number, adding that calls were routed directly to the IAS officers in charge of the respective zones.

Nearly 15,000 Corporation field workers had been deployed across all zones, the Minister said. Marriage halls had been identified in advance as temporary relief shelters, while IAS officers assigned to various zones had handled more than 80 emergency calls by the time of the briefing.

The Minister said electricity supply could be temporarily disconnected in severely inundated areas as a precautionary measure. Residents living in old or unsafe buildings, particularly 60-year-old Tamil Nadu Housing Board buildings in North Chennai, were urged to move temporarily to government relief centres.

The government was also seeking the assistance of non-governmental organisations in relief operations, he said.

Aadhav Arjuna said preparatory meetings had been held with officials, MLAs and ministers three days before the rainfall. Regional-level war rooms had also been established in addition to the main control room at Ezhilagam to coordinate emergency response measures.

After inspecting waterlogging in Ice House, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G S Sameeran said senior officials, including deputy commissioners and joint commissioners, were inspecting affected areas and monitoring the situation.

One battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been deployed with four inflatable boats, 40 life jackets, outboard motor generator sets and emergency medical kits. A 50-member battalion of the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) was on standby at the Ripon Building for rapid deployment to North Chennai.

Five relief centres had also been readied with essential food supplies, officials said.

Authorities appealed to residents not to venture into flooded areas or near riverbanks to film videos or sightsee. Parents were urged to keep children indoors and away from stagnant water.

With heavy rainfall forecast to continue between October 17 and 21, particularly during night hours, the Corporation, police, traffic police, NDRF and SDRF were coordinating response and relief measures across the city.

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 Saturday.

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:

October 17 - Rs 107.77

October 16 - Rs 107.77

October 15 - Rs 107.77

October 14 - Rs 107.77

October 13 - Rs 107.77

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

October 17 - Rs 99.55

October 16 - Rs 99.55

October 15 - Rs 99.55

October 14 - Rs 99.55

October 13 - Rs 99.55

Police identified the victim as Kannaiyan (66), originally from Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district. For the last two years, he worked at a masala manufacturing unit near Thirunindravur, earning about Rs 20,000 a month and lived at Nazarathpet. He commuted daily by bus.

Around 8.30 am, Kannaiyan was standing with an umbrella near a police booth when the incident happened. Police said that the high-tension wire came down directly on his leg. He collapsed after a severe shock. Onlookers called the TNEB and police but could not get close till supply was tripped.

TANGEDCO officials said a pin insulator failure caused the line to get displaced, hit the concrete edge of the railway bridge and fall.

Kannaiyan is survived by a son and daughter. His son Vijay (40) alleged negligence: “They should have checked poles before rain. Children use this stop. Action must be taken.” Thirunindravur police registered a case. The body was sent to Tiruvallur Government Hospital for post-mortem. It is the second death this year in the Chennai region from a snapped live line, after a guest worker died in Puzhal in April.

Police said the victim, Ranjan Kumar, had joined the company barely a month ago. The accident happened around 3 am on October 11 when he was operating the extrusion cutter. His left hand got pulled into the moving blade, causing crush injuries and severing four fingers.

Co-workers immediately stopped the machine and rushed him to a private hospital in Gummidipoondi for first aid. As the injury was severe, he was later shifted to another private hospital at Kolathur in Chennai, where he is under inpatient treatment.

The employment of a minor in hazardous factory work has raised questions. On Friday, his relative Narayana Yadhav lodged a complaint with SIPCOT police alleging negligence and violation of labour norms.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case against factory supervisor Aravind for negligence and for engaging a child labourer in dangerous machinery operation.

Police said they are examining shift rosters, safety training records and whether protective guards were installed on the machine. Labour department officials have also been informed to inspect the unit. Further investigation is under way to fix responsibility.

Titled ‘Burning Human Rights: Hidden Costs of Human Lives by Waste-to-Energy Incinerators’, the report highlights alleged environmental hazards, health concerns and violations of constitutional rights linked to waste-to-energy operations in the area.

The report was submitted to NHRC and UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in June. While UNHRC has published the complete study on its official portal, NHRC has now formally registered the findings as a complaint and initiated proceedings.

FNCRWA president TK Shanmugan told DT Next, “The association has sought intervention from the human rights bodies and demanded the immediate closure of the operational 50-tonne plant. Following the complaint, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and other concerned departments are expected to respond to the allegations.”

In its submissions to NHRC and the State government, the federation sought recognition of waste-to-energy incineration as a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. It also called for human rights, health, environmental and socio-economic impact assessments to be made mandatory before State Pollution Control Boards approve incineration projects. Other demands include medical camps for affected residents, monetary compensation and the immediate suspension of operations at the Kodungaiyur plant.

A joint inspection by TNPCB officials, District Revenue Officer and GCC had reportedly found serious environmental and regulatory violations, leading to the temporary closure of the 50-tonne incinerator in February 2026.

“However, the plant resumed operations within a few months,” Shanmugan added. “The association has since filed a RTI application seeking details of the basis on which permission was granted to restart the facility.”

The federation has also demanded the complete abandonment of the proposed 2,100-tonne waste incineration facility in the region.

In addition, it urged the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to reverse the Central Pollution Control Board’s reclassification of waste incinerators from the ‘Red’ category to the ‘Blue’ category. It also called for sustained support for informal waste pickers and decentralised recycling systems as alternatives to large-scale incineration.

Rather than opening another conventional restaurant, he wanted to introduce these flavours to a generation more familiar with burgers and tacos. “The idea was never to change our food or move away from our roots. It was to take the flavours and heritage that are part of who we are and express them through something contemporary, like burgers and tacos,” he explains.

Thought behind every element

For non-vegetarians, Kalpaasi’s menu offers its own spin on Chettinad favourites, with the Signature Mutton Chettinad Burger leading the line-up. The menu also features a Mixed Seafood Burger, Chicken Chettinad Burger, Prawn Ghee Roast Taco Tart and Karuveppilai Prawn Pita.

Curated by Ramesh, the burger menu offers buns in flavours such as carrot ajwain, beetroot fennel, five-spice spinach, coriander chilli and tomato curry leaf, paired with vegetarian or non-vegetarian fillings and sauces.

We sampled the mixed vegetable patty burger in a tomato curry leaf bun with the chef’s special sauce. Hearty and satisfying, it had a spicy kick, while the bun added its own flavour.

“My philosophy while curating the menu was that every dish should have its own identity. I didn't want to put together a menu simply because certain items were popular or trending. I wanted every combination to have a reason to exist, with flavours that complement each other and create an experience people would remember,” says Ramesh.

The team experimented with ingredients, spices and textures to ensure each component worked with the others. Adapting Chicken 65 into a burger was a particular challenge. “Chicken 65 is a dish people know extremely well, and that familiarity raises the bar,” he says.

The starters offer more reinterpretations. Pallipalayam paneer draws on a preparation usually associated with chicken, while Karuveppillai soya provides a vegetarian alternative. Both are served with pita bread. Among the accompanying dips, garlic coriander stands out for its bold flavour, while gongura brings a tangy, spicy profile. Mint chilli, spicy mustard, honey ginger and spicy tamarind are other options.

The taco tarts offer further experimentation. The mushroom pepper fry version delivers a pronounced pepper flavour, while the smashed avocado tart was the surprise of the tasting. Topped with raw onions and tomatoes, its filling brought to mind aloo chaat.

For Ramesh, the aim is to introduce familiar flavours in new forms. “Culture has always evolved, and I believe food can evolve too, as long as you understand what you're working with and respect where it comes from,” he says.

Memories of home in a glass

Ramesh's childhood food memories include his grandmother's mutton uppu kari, apple halwa and kathirikkai peratal. “Those dishes have stayed with me, not just for their flavours but for the memories and cultural heritage associated with them,” he says.

The drinks draw on tradition, too. Kalpaasi serves nannari sharbat in lemon, watermelon, pineapple and apple variations. The passion fruit version stood out during our tasting, adding a refreshing twist without overpowering the familiar flavour.

A thinnai-inspired welcome

The interiors combine traditional Chettinad aesthetics and tiles with a contemporary setting. The concept centres on the thinnai, the raised veranda traditionally found in Chettinad homes. “For me, Kalpaasi was never meant to be just about the food. I wanted the space to reflect the culture and heritage behind the brand,” says Ramesh.

He wanted to recreate the spirit of the thinnai, where people gather and welcome guests, without replicating an old Chettinad home. “I wanted people to feel welcomed the moment they walked in, as though they were entering a home rather than just a restaurant. For me, hospitality is about making people feel they belong,” he says.

Traditional sweets, a new finish

The adhirasam cake is worth saving room for. The traditional Tamil sweet is softened with egg and topped with jaggery sauce, giving it the texture and richness of sticky toffee pudding. The result retains the flavours of a familiar bakshanam while offering a new presentation.

The Kavuni cheesecake takes a different approach, pairing a Marie Gold biscuit base and cold cheesecake with a warm black rice preparation. The temperature contrast makes for an unusual dessert.

Thoughtful choices

Nannari sharbat costs Rs 99-179 and desserts are priced at Rs 249 each, with burgers and starters available at different price points. Ramesh says accessibility, particularly for younger diners, was a conscious decision. “I don't believe that innovation should automatically make food expensive or exclusive,” he says. “For me, the real success of Kalpaasi would be seeing these flavours reach more people, especially a younger generation, and becoming something they genuinely enjoy.”

The restaurant also lets lunch diners choose their preferred rice, sambar and poriyal instead of ordering a fixed meal, giving them greater control over portions and helping reduce food waste.

Looking ahead

Ramesh hopes to expand Kalpaasi into more cities and explore new ways to present Chettinad flavours. Chettinad vendakkai mandi, a traditional preparation, is among the possible additions to the menu.

A woman had filed a complaint against her aunt's son, whom she alleged to be in a relationship with since October 2011. The couple allegedly had sexual intercourse on the promise of marriage, but the man had refused to marry her in 2014.

Police registered a case under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and filed a final report before the XVI Metropolitan Magistrate, Chennai. The trial court framed charges under Sections 376 and 417 IPC and sentenced him to one year of simple imprisonment, besides imposing a fine of Rs 50,000. It also ordered three months of simple imprisonment in default of payment.

Challenging the conviction, the man's counsel argued before the High Court that the physical relationship had developed out of their close acquaintance and mutual affection, rather than a false promise of marriage. The subsequent breakdown of the relationship did not amount to cheating, the counsel contended.

Justice Sunder Mohan, hearing the appeal, noted that the woman and the man were closely related, had been in a romantic relationship since 2011 and had maintained a continuous physical relationship. The evidence indicated that their relationship was based not merely on the alleged promise of marriage but also on mutual love, the court observed.

The court held that the evidence did not establish deception from the outset. Consequently, the conviction under Section 417 IPC for cheating could not be sustained.

Setting aside the trial court's judgment dated October 22, 2018, the High Court acquitted the appellant of the cheating charge and allowed the criminal appeal. It also directed that the fine amount already paid as compensation to the woman should not be recovered from her.

The road begins at Tambaram and passes through Krishna Nagar, Old Perungalathur, Mudichur and Mannivakkam before joining the Vandalur-Walajabad Road. The approximately 80-foot-wide road witnesses heavy vehicular traffic round the clock. The surrounding areas are also developing rapidly, with new residential complexes, shopping malls, industries and educational institutions coming up.

However, large quantities of garbage are being dumped along both sides of the road near Lakshmipuram, turning the stretch into an open dumping yard. The waste has encroached on the road, reducing its usable width from 80 feet to just 50 feet, affecting traffic movement.

Blaming residents of Mudichur Panchayat limits for illegal dumping, Mannivakkam Panchayat called for action against them

Residents claim that the garbage includes medical waste, which could pose significant health risks. Motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders and auto-rickshaw drivers, are forced to cover their noses while passing through the stretch because of the foul smell emanating from the garbage. Over 5,000 students studying at two higher secondary schools on the stretch are exposed to unhygienic conditions caused by the accumulated garbage.

John S, a resident of Mudichur, said, when we approached the Mudichur Panchayat authorities for action, we were told that the affected area falls under the jurisdiction of the Mannivakkam Panchayat. However, when we approached the Mannivakkam Panchayat, we were reportedly told that the residents of Mudichur Panchayat limits are responsible for dumping the waste, and that action should be taken against them.

When contacted, a Mudichur Panchayat official said that steps were being taken to address the issue, and the affected areas were being cleaned once a week using an earthmover to remove the accumulated waste. However, people continued to dump garbage at the location during the night, making it difficult to prevent the problem from recurring, the official noted.

The official added that residents of nearby apartment complexes and local traders had been warned against dumping garbage along a major public road. A permanent solution to the problem would be found at the earliest.

Soundar Rajan, the firm's general manager, lodged a complaint in August stating that an accounting department staffer received a WhatsApp message that appeared to be from the MD, instructing an urgent transfer to a particular bank account for a confidential business deal. Believing the message to be genuine, the company transferred Rs 1.90 crore through RTGS.

When the MD was contacted for confirmation, he denied sending the message. Following which a complaint was lodged. The fraud was traced to Deepak Meena of Northeast Delhi, and a special team arrested him and brought him to Avadi.

His mobile phone, SIM cards and bank documents used in the crime were seized.

Meena was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. Police said he is part of a larger mule account network and efforts are on to trace other accused who supplied accounts and withdrew cash.

Police advised people not to rent out bank accounts and urged immediate reporting of cyber fraud to helpline 1930 or http://cybercrime.gov.in.

The themed display brings the four sacred destinations to life, connecting traditional practices with early childhood learning. Rooted in the school’s Win at Life philosophy, the initiative encourages children to explore their heritage, express their creativity and learn about values that shape their formative years. Teachers and staff have collaborated to curate the Golu and its accompanying activities.

Amudhavalli Ranganathan, Executive Director, CK Group of Educational Institutions, said, “Early childhood is when curiosity begins to shape character. When children experience culture through stories, music, movement and shared celebrations, they develop an appreciation for their roots while learning to express themselves with confidence. As I always say, when we elevate a life, we elevate generations. As educators, our role is to create environments where children feel encouraged to explore, participate and discover the values that help them grow into thoughtful and compassionate individuals.”

Running from October 11 to 19, the celebrations feature daily pujas, floral decorations, kolams, music and prasadam. The Golu displays also introduce children to global sustainability through selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P Venkataramanan and Minister for Co-operation V Gandhiraj launched the initiative in Chennai on Saturday.

At present, the rice is being sold at 11 Amutham stores and 19 cooperative stores in the city. The ministers stated that the scheme would be extended to the rest of the state from Sunday.

To counter the surging market prices, the state government has procured 25,000 metric tonnes of rice, which will be sold through 250 cooperative stores across the state.

The initiative is aimed at providing fine-quality rice at an affordable price and easing the hardship faced by people amid rising concerns over the cost of the variety.

Apart from rice, toor dal is also being sold at high prices in the open market, at Rs 170 to Rs 190 per kilogram. Considering the price surge, the government is also considering selling toor dal at Rs 130 per kg at cooperative stores. The scheme will be launched in a day or two.

Private weather blogger Pradeep John described the intense spell in north Chennai as cloudburst-like rainfall, with around 100 mm recorded between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm. Karaikal Nagar recorded 109.20 mm, Sathangadu 106.80 mm and Mappedu in Tiruvallur district 100.80 mm during the hour.

According to data from the Department of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management, Parrys recorded the highest rainfall at 175 mm as of 7.30 pm. Sathangadu recorded 140 mm, while Karikal Nagar received 121 mm and Tiruvottiyur 114.90 mm.

VR Durai, director and senior atmospheric scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), said that widespread heavy rain was likely across TN until October 26, after which the intensity would decrease. “By the end of October, we’re expecting a system to cross the Odisha coast, which will bring more rain to the coastal parts of TN,” he added.

Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely at isolated places in The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, Theni, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari on October 20. Heavy rain is also likely in Madurai, Tiruchy, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Pudukkottai.

Explaining the rainfall pattern, Durai said, “Northeast monsoon showers usually occurred in the evening and around midnight, while low-pressure systems can bring rain during the daytime. The Ghat districts, including Coimbatore and The Nilgiris, their adjoining areas and southern districts such as Madurai, Theni, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram are likely to receive more rainfall than the northern coastal districts.”

The maximum temperature in Chennai is expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to be around 24 degrees Celsius under cloudy skies. Maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to remain near normal until October 21.

According to the Transport Department, 4,382 regular services and 1,510 special buses, including 1,253 operated by State Transport Corporations and 257 private buses, were operated on October 15 and 16.

On October 15, a total of 2,546 buses, comprising 2,191 regular services and 355 special buses, carried 1.15 lakh passengers. On Friday, 3,346 buses, including 2,191 regular services and 1,155 special buses, carried 1.47 lakh passengers till midnight.

Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban inspected the arrangements at major bus terminals and temporary bus stands on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, he visited the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam and the temporary bus stands at the CMDA Climate Park and Maraimalai Nagar. On Friday, he inspected the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu, the two temporary bus stands and KCBT.

During the inspections, the minister instructed drivers and conductors to operate buses cautiously and ensure passenger safety. He also interacted with passengers to obtain feedback on the special bus services.

Special buses are being operated from five locations in Chennai: KCBT at Kilambakkam, CMBT at Koyambedu, Madhavaram New Bus Terminus, the temporary bus stand at the CMDA Climate Park and the temporary bus stand at Maraimalai Nagar.

The arrangements were made to facilitate the movement of people to their hometowns during the extended Ayudha Pooja holidays.