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 79 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has stepped up precautionary measures and deployed teams to clear stormwater drains and address waterlogging.

According to the GCC's cumulative rainfall report, heavy rain was recorded at seven locations, moderate rain at 41 locations and light rain at 14 locations.

Perambur recorded the highest rainfall at 8.79 cm, followed by Madhavaram (8.70 cm), Mullai Nagar (8.06 cm) and Manali New Town (7.44 cm). Meenambakkam received 6.36 cm, Thiruvottiyur 6.21 cm, Kathivakkam 5.43 cm and Nungambakkam 4.68 cm.

GCC commissioner G S Sameeran inspected the Aranganathan Subway, water collection sumps, pump rooms and stormwater drains in Saidapet on Friday evening to review preparedness for the continuing spell of rain.

The regional deputy commissioner (North) inspected water stagnation on 18th Street in B V Colony, Vyasarpadi, along with officials.

In the Adyar zone, regional deputy commissioner Aftab Rasool inspected tree-pruning work on D G S Dinakaran Road, where 60 trees were trimmed overnight.

He also reviewed patchwork, stormwater drain works, road cleaning, side-road restoration and the removal of silt and debris on Arcot Road.

In the Teynampet zone, a dedicated team was deployed to clear silt from catch pits and remove debris from stormwater drains on Besant Road, identified as a vulnerable spot for recurring waterlogging.

Regional deputy commissioner (Central) H R Kaushik reviewed the measures. The continuous rainfall has also increased water levels in catchment areas across the city's lakes.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,08,280 per sovereign and Rs 13,535 per gram, an increase of Rs 20 per gram.

Earlier, on October 16 the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,08,120 per sovereign and Rs 13,515 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 17.

On October 16, 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 97,600 per sovereign (Rs 12,200 per gram) on October 17, 2025, to Rs 1,08,280 per sovereign (Rs 13,535 per gram) on October 17, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 10,680 per sovereign or about 10.94%.

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

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

October 12, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,09,760 | 1 gram - Rs 13,720

Silver price over the last five days:

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

October 12, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

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 16 - Rs 107.77

October 15 - Rs 107.77

October 14 - Rs 107.77

October 13 - Rs 107.77

October 12 - Rs 107.77

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

October 16 - Rs 99.55

October 15 - Rs 99.55

October 14 - Rs 99.55

October 13 - Rs 99.55

October 12 - Rs 99.55

The incident came to light on October 13 when Godavari (77), a resident of Choolaimedu, attempted to withdraw Rs 10,000 from an ATM on MMDA Colony Main Road. Although no cash was dispensed, she received an SMS confirming the debit. Another customer reported a similar experience while attempting to withdraw Rs 2,000.

Based on Godavari's complaint, the Arumbakkam police crime wing questioned a 17-year-old boy found moving suspiciously near the ATM.

The probe found that the boy and three associates allegedly placed a black sticker over the cash dispenser to prevent money from coming out. They would remove the sticker and collect the trapped cash after customers left the ATM kiosk.

Police arrested Shakeel Ahmed (19) and Mohammed Mubinul Haque (20), and two other juveniles from North Tripura. Investigators said the group had travelled from Tripura to Chennai to commit the thefts.

Police seized Rs 53,200, five mobile phones, including two iPhones, stickers, scissors, plywood, a blade and a knife from the suspects.

The Pocso case came to light last month after the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) received information about the alleged abuse, according to the police. The CWC members and volunteers subsequently visited the locality and spoke to the girl.

A complaint was filed with the Royapuram All-Women Police, who have

registered a zero FIR, as the alleged offence took place in Puducherry. Subsequently, the case was transferred to Puducherry police for further investigation.

As part of the investigation, Puducherry police personnel arrived in Chennai on Friday to trace the accused Thiagu and question him. However, the police search in Royapuram went in vain because he was reportedly absconding.

According to the complaint, Thiagu had known the girl's mother for fourteen years. The mother had reportedly agreed to marry her daughter to him after the latter turned 18. The girl had discontinued her education after Class 9, according to the police.

In such a backdrop, the girl, her mother and Thiagu travelled to Puducherry on August 28 for a modelling photoshoot, and they stayed at a hotel near Muthialpet, according to the complaint. It further alleged that Thiagu sexually assaulted the girl on August 30 while her mother was outside the hotel room.

The central structure, a large roof-like framework built around an existing tree with a seating area underneath, has particularly rankled residents, who questioned its purpose and utility.

“We don’t know what it will actually serve,” said Sangeetha, a Mylapore resident, questioning whether the structure would function as a roof or be pleasing to the eye. “It’s a mindless architecture with no value.”

The redevelopment has revived concerns over the loss of the park’s earlier character. In August, more than 50 residents, civic activists gathered in protest against what they described as the increasing concretisation of the park. “When you look up, you’ll not see the sky. The park was dense with trees. Now the space feels like a ground,” said Karpagambal (72), who was watching her grandson play in the park. However, she welcomed the expanded play area for children.

The walking paths are another concern for regular visitors. “It used to be a wide walking path. Now it has shrunk, and we are yet to see how it manages the swelling crowd which this park usually gets,” said Venkatesan.

Residents have also complained about the lack of covered seating, saying there is no adequate place to sit under shelter if it suddenly starts raining. Meanwhile, redevelopment work is yet to be completed.

Green patches are yet to be fully laid, lighting work is continuing, and boundary markings for one of the badminton courts are still pending. The park had remained largely unusable after storm water drain construction (SWD) began in 2024. The redevelopment project, launched in September 2025, was originally scheduled for completion by February 2026.

The park has now been reopened with facilities including 1,600m of walking paths, two fountains, a 7,532 sq ft children's play area, a 3,228 sq ft badminton court and a 4,800 sq ft Mexican lawn. To manage rainwater, a 195m long SWD and a 1,076 sq ft rainwater management facility have been created.

Minister for Public Works Aadhav Arjuna inspected flood-prevention measures along the 200 ft Radial Road on Pallikaranai marshland. The focus was on ensuring rainwater from the marshland could flow without obstruction through 16 small channels maintained by the Highways Department.

Meanwhile, Commercial Taxes Minister Lokesh Tamilselvan inspected ongoing SWD works on AA Road and at Ganeshapuram subway in Otteri. He also reviewed arrangements to pump out rainwater from collection sumps at Vyasarpadi Junction and Mullai Nagar. The Minister also inspected flood-prevention works in Captain Cotton Canal and Kodungaiyur South Canal to ensure the free flow of rainwater.

The inspection comes amid concerns over water stagnation in low-lying areas during heavy rain. The Greater Chennai Corporation said flood-relief centres and kitchens had been kept ready with the required facilities, while motor pumps were being installed to drain water from low-lying areas.

Earlier, Aadhav Arjuna inaugurated a badminton indoor stadium built at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore in Jalladianpet, Perungudi. The 81.74 sq m facility also comes with an outdoor gym.

Fares to several other destinations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Thiruvananthapuram, have also risen sharply as people from Chennai and its suburbs head to their hometowns and tourist destinations.

The fare from Chennai to Mumbai has increased from Rs 6,469 to Rs 22,353, while tickets to Delhi have risen from Rs 9,208 to Rs 23,099. On the Chennai-Bengaluru route, fares have climbed from Rs 4,474 to Rs 18,041.

Among southern destinations, fare to Thiruvananthapuram has surged from Rs 6,745 to Rs 20,448, while tickets to Kochi have increased from Rs 5,986 to Rs 18,255. The Chennai-Coimbatore fare has risen from Rs 5,373 to Rs 16,601. Fare from Chennai to Thoothukudi has increased from Rs 7,201 to Rs 17,363. Tickets to Madurai have become costlier, rising from Rs 5,459 to Rs 8,537, while fares to Tiruchy have climbed from Rs 5,066 to Rs 9,896. The fare to Vijayawada has also increased from Rs 5,272 to Rs 14,344.

For Salem, the normal fare is Rs 4,264. However, with direct flights from Chennai to Salem unavailable, passengers have had to consider connecting flights via Bengaluru, with fares reaching Rs 12,237.

The festive rush has increased passenger traffic at railway stations, bus terminals and airport, with many travelling out of the city to spend the holidays with their families. The sharp rise in airfares has added to their travel expenses, particularly for those making last-minute bookings.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Department has announced bus services from five locations to help passengers travel with less hassle during the holiday rush.

1. Kilambakkam bus terminus: Buses to southern western Tamil Nadu

The Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus at Kilambakkam will handle buses to several destinations through the Tindivanam route, as well as major cities and towns across Tamil Nadu.

Passengers can board buses to the following destinations:

* Via Tindivanam: Villupuram, Ulundurpet, Virudhachalam, Tittakudi, Tirukoilur, Kallakurichi, Salem and Coimbatore.

* Via Tindivanam to the Cuddalore region: Panruti, Neyveli, Vadalur, Chidambaram and Kattumannarkoil.

* Puducherry and Cuddalore region: Puducherry, Cuddalore and Chidambaram.

* Southern Tamil Nadu: Tiruchy, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur and Sengottai.

* Other destinations: Dindigul, Palani and Pollachi.

Passengers travelling to these destinations should confirm the relevant platform and departure details at the terminal before boarding.

2. Temporary Kilambakkam bus stand: Buses via Guindy

A temporary bus stand near the CMDA Climate Park at Kilambakkam will operate services via Guindy.

Buses from this location will connect passengers to:

* Tiruvannamalai

* Polur

* Chetpet

* Vandavasi

Passengers travelling to these towns should check whether their bus departs from the temporary stand rather than the main Kilambakkam terminal.

3. Maraimalai Nagar temporary bus stand: Buses to the delta region

The temporary bus stand at Maraimalai Nagar will operate on a trial basis, with services to key destinations in the Cauvery delta region.

Buses will connect passengers to:

* Kumbakonam

* Nagapattinam

* Thanjavur

Free connecting buses will operate between the MTC bus terminus at Kilambakkam and the temporary bus stand at Maraimalai Nagar, helping passengers reach their boarding point.

4. Koyambedu bus terminus: Buses to ECR, Vellore and Bengaluru

The Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Bus Terminus at Koyambedu will handle buses to destinations along the East Coast Road (ECR), as well as several towns and cities in northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

ECR route

Passengers can board buses to:

* Puducherry

* Cuddalore

* Chidambaram

* Mayiladuthurai

* Nagapattinam

* Velankanni

Other routes

Buses to the following destinations will also operate from Koyambedu:

* Kancheepuram

* Vellore

* Hosur

* Bengaluru

* Tiruttani

* Tirupati

Passengers should check their ticket and bus details to ensure they reach the correct terminal.

5. Check your boarding point before leaving home

With special buses operating from multiple locations, choosing the correct boarding point is important to avoid last-minute confusion during the holiday rush.

*.Kilambakkam: Southern and western Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, Tirunelveli, Salem and Coimbatore.

*.Temporary Kilambakkam stand: Tiruvannamalai, Polur, Chetpet and Vandavasi via Gingee.

*.Maraimalai Nagar: Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam and Thanjavur.

*.Koyambedu: ECR destinations, including Puducherry and Velankanni, along with Vellore, Bengaluru and Tirupati.

Before starting your journey, verify your boarding location, bus timings and ticket details with the transport department. Reaching the correct terminal well ahead of departure can help you avoid unnecessary delays during the festive travel rush.

According to the police, victim Anthony Augustine (33) works as a sales manager at a pharmaceutical company in Kannadapalayam, West Tambaram. On September 24, he had gone to Parry's Corner and was returning to his company on a two-wheeler with Rs 24 lakh in a bag.

When he crossed the Ambika Appalam signal on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road in Adyar, six men riding three two-wheelers allegedly intercepted him. They assaulted him, pushed him to the ground and threatened him with a knife before snatching the bag containing the cash and fled.

Based on a complaint, a case was registered, and an investigation was launched. A police team led by the station's crime wing inspector examined CCTV footage from the area and traced Babu of VOC Nagar in Tondiarpet on Thursday, who was subsequently arrested. His mobile phone was seized.

The police found that Babu had allegedly committed the robbery along with the absconding suspects. The gang had shared the stolen money and spent it.

Babu is a history-sheeter facing five criminal cases, including one for attempted murder, at the New Washermenpet police station.

He was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. The search for the remaining suspects is under way.

The deceased, Nishanth, a resident of Tiruvottiyur, had been staying at the centre and undergoing treatment for substance addiction for the past six months. The accused, Babu (55) and Sivakumar (57), were former inmates of the centre and continued working there after recovering.

Nishanth had allegedly been making derogatory remarks about the duo and obscene comments about their family members. Angered by this, the duo allegedly took a knife from the kitchen and repeatedly stabbed him in the neck. He died on the spot.

On receiving information, Mangadu police recovered Nishanth's body and arrested the duo. Further probe is under way.

More than 100 people are reportedly undergoing treatment at the privately run facility. The incident has also raised concerns about the centre's operations, which is located in a residential neighbourhood. Residents have called for verification of its documents and regular inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.

The centre had witnessed another incident a year ago when more than 30 inmates reportedly assaulted a security guard and escaped from the premises.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,08,120 per sovereign and Rs 13,515 per gram

Earlier, on October 15 the yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,08,120 per sovereign and Rs 13,515 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 16.

On October 15, 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 95,200 per sovereign (Rs 11,900 per gram) on October 16, 2025, to Rs 1,08,120 per sovereign (Rs 13,515 per gram) on October 16, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 12,920 per sovereign or about 13.57%.

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

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

October 12, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,09,760 | 1 gram - Rs 13,720

October 10, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,11,040 | 1 gram - Rs 13,880

Silver price over the last five days:

October 15, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 13, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 12, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 10, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

The accused, Yashwanth from Ayanambakkam, allegedly confronted a 27-year-old assistant engineer with the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, on September 19 near a saloon on Eldams Road, accusing him of messaging a woman known to him on Tinder.

He claimed to be an SI and seized the man’s phone. When told that his family would be told about the chats, the engineer gave him a one-sovereign chain and a 2-gram ring.

Later, he realised that he was conned after which he filed a complaint, leading to the youth’s arrest.

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 Friday.

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 15 - Rs 107.77

October 14 - Rs 107.77

October 13 - Rs 107.77

October 12 - Rs 107.77

October 11 - Rs 107.77

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

October 15 - Rs 99.55

October 14 - Rs 99.55

October 13 - Rs 99.55

October 12 - Rs 99.55

October 11 - Rs 99.55

Drain works are under way on several traffic-heavy stretches, including Bricklin Road in Purasaiwalkam, the East Avenue Road–Chennai-Tiruvallur High (CTH) Road intersection, Padi, and sections of Arcot Road. Works are also in progress in SVS Nagar, 2nd Main Road in Valasaravakkam, Kalli Amman Koil Street in Virugambakkam, and J Block 2nd Street in Anna Nagar.

V Ajaynath, a resident in the neighbourhood, said the work on drains along Bricklin Road from Cook Road junction to Megala Theatre has been dragging on for more than four months, resulting in congestion during peak hours. "The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has set up barricades, shrinking the two-way carriageway, while the rain has made the road pothole-ridden, making it tough for motorcyclists," he said.

The stormwater overflowing from the drain gets mixed with the sewage and stagnates in the area during heavy spells of rain. As the work is unlikely to finish on time, residents will yet again be dependent on pumps to remove the water.

Sandhya Vedullapalli, secretary of the Federation of Anna Nagar Residents Associations (FOARA), said most stormwater drain works in Anna Nagar are complete apart from minor connecting works. However, work on J Block 2nd Street began only a few days ago. She also raised doubts whether the existing drains had been desilted adequately.

"Compared to previous years, I have hardly seen any visible desilting activity this time," she said, adding that the heavy rains would reveal the truth about preparedness.

On Arcot Road, drain work was stopped for about 15 days, and progress remained slow, inconveniencing shopkeepers and the public along the half-kilometre stretch from Meenakshi College, said Kodambakkam resident Balaji. Gridlock has delayed ambulances and other vehicles for a week, he said.

J John of the AIADMK, who is the Ward 84 councillor, said the macro drain work at the CTH Road–East Avenue Road intersection is currently stalled. He claimed construction and other works was slower than last year, after the change of government. The stretch connecting to the Otteri Nullah canal cannot be completed in time, so water will have to be pumped out, John added.

Driving on battered roads has become a daily ordeal for motorists. North Chennai activist Ramesh Ramadoss said the Metro Water Board dug up roads to lay pipelines under the North Chennai Development Scheme, but several interior and main roads were not re-laid or filled properly.

R Shyam, a Royapuram resident, said Cemetery Road linking old Washermanpet and Royapuram has turned dust-prone after the wet mix used to fill road cuts got washed away within days. "The corporation has to lay a permanent road soon," he said.

Tondiarpet zone chairman Nethaji U Ganesan said about 14 damaged interior streets in Nehru Nagar and a few in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar need re-laying. Desilting remains pending in Nehru Nagar, VOC Nagar, Butchammal Street, and Meenambal Nagar, and work, including monsoon preparedness, has been slow for five months, he alleged.

Conditions are similar in South Chennai. K Saminathan, a resident of Kumaran Kudil Nagar in Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, said Sakthi Srinivasan Road, an important link to Secretariat Colony, has been in poor condition for six months. As a result, bus services to Secretariat Colony have been stopped.

When asked, a senior GCC official told DT Next that the civic body has instructed contractors to finish the ongoing works soon. Explaining the delays, the official said heavy traffic and shifting of high-tension cables are slowing work on CTH Road but assured that the corporation is coordinating with traffic police to speed up the work. On Bricklin Road, water will be diverted to Otteri Nullah via the burial ground, he said.

Over 700 roads will be re-laid under the Chief Minister's fund, with tenders to be floated soon. Worst-affected roads will get priority, while patch works continue and interior roads receive temporary filling, added the official.

The park’s walkways also turn waterlogged when it rains, making it difficult for walkers and pedestrians to move around. Visitors have urged the authorities to repair the damaged facilities and improve drainage to prevent rainwater from stagnating.

The park was renovated by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and opened to the public by the then Chief Minister MK Stalin in March this year. The upgraded facility boasts landscaped gardens, a musical fountain, walking tracks, seating areas, a yoga centre, two badminton courts, children’s play areas, toilets, and CCTV surveillance.

Social activist Raghukumar Choodamani alleged that the renovation work appeared to have been rushed ahead of the Assembly elections. “Within a few months of the park opening, several facilities, including the walking tracks, electrical wiring, musical fountain, skating rink and toilets, have developed problems. It is unfortunate that a park developed at a cost of Rs 4.20 crore is not being properly maintained,” he added.

Srinivasan Raghavan, a resident in the neighbourhood, pointed out that the damaged play equipment put children at risk. “The damaged two-seater circular swing has not been replaced, and the rubber safety flooring has also deteriorated. The skating rink has developed cracks and is in a broken condition,” he added. “Rainwater accumulates on the walkways due to inadequate drainage arrangements.”

A senior Corporation official told DT Next that the civic body officials had repeatedly brought the maintenance issues to the CMDA’s notice through emails, phone calls, and messages, but no appropriate action had been taken so far. “Steps are being taken to hand over the toilets to a private agency for maintenance. They are closed because some people engage in illegal activities at night and damage the facilities. Visitors can use a nearby public toilet in the meantime,” the official said.

CMDA officials, however, said that the park had already been handed over to the corporation and that routine maintenance was the civic body’s responsibility.

Meanwhile, the livelihood issues faced by auto drivers led to widespread protests across the State. Even as drivers took to the streets in Kundrathur and Uthukottai, claiming the Vettri Payanam scheme is eating into their revenues, they were stopped from holding a rally in Tiruchy. The auto drivers attached to CITU announced a protest rally from Major Saravanan roundabout to the Collectorate on Thursday. Police refused permission for the rally and the protest, leading to condemnation over denying a 'democratic right.'

However, the Tamil Nadu Auto Drivers' Unions Federation staged a hunger strike near Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore on October 15, pressing for various demands concerning drivers' livelihoods and welfare. Following the protest, the minister invited representatives of more than 20 trade unions to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) headquarters for discussions.

In a statement issued after the meeting, A Jahir Hussain, executive president of Urimai Kural Drivers' Union, said the minister had firmly assured the representatives that auto-meter fares would be revised before Deepavali. He had also assured them that the drivers' other livelihood-related demands would be addressed in phases.

"The unions' demands were already under the government's consideration and that the minister had assured the representatives that he would bring their legitimate demands to the attention of the Chief Minister for early action," said MTC in its official press release

The meeting also addressed the recent death by suicide of Ibrahim, an auto driver from Vyasarpadi. Expressing distress over the incident, the minister conveyed his condolences to the family and received a petition from Ibrahim's son, assuring him it would be looked into.

Addressing a press conference at the Koyambedu Omni Bus Terminus here, association secretary D Maran asserted that ticket prices have remained strictly unchanged since 2023, despite fluctuations in diesel prices.

"E-commerce companies are aggressively competing to expand their online trade volume from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1,000 crore and even Rs 10,000 crore. Because they are competing at this speed, operators like us are getting a very bad name," he said.

When confronted by reporters regarding private tracking applications displaying fares as high as Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 for routes such as Chennai to Udangudi (Thoothukudi district), he categorically dismissed them as "dummy charts."

He challenged the media and public to proceed to the final payment stage to verify if a seat could actually be booked at those inflated figures.

Maran urged journalists to download their official fare charts and monitor the prices during peak travel dates, specifically the 23rd through October 26, to confirm that standard rates are being maintained.

Furthermore, the association issued an appeal to the Tamil Nadu government to stop Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) from intercepting and levying taxes on out-of-state buses entering Tamil Nadu to clear the festival rush.

He highlighted that over 1,200 Tamil Nadu-registered omni buses operate in neighbouring states like Karnataka and Kerala without facing harassment or sudden taxation.

He requested reciprocal leniency for inter-state buses arriving from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala to accommodate the surge in festival passengers.

The association confirmed that a formal representation requesting a halt to this inter-state tax collection during the festival days has been submitted to the Home Secretary, the State Transport Minister, and the Transport Commissioner.

In a letter dated October 14 to the National Informatics Centre (NIC), MTC chairman requested that the tender cancellation be revoked and restored to its previous status. The original bid deadline was October 14.

Transport department officials attribute the cancellation call to miscommunication. "Funds were allocated in the budget for procuring e-buses and upgrading depots with supporting infrastructure. We have also modified tender conditions to attract more bidders and timely supply. Due to miscommunication, the bid was cancelled on Wednesday and subsequently revoked," the official said.

The MTC also submitted an undertaking accepting responsibility for the legal implications of revoking the cancellation, stating that the move would not violate any applicable law and that the corporation would be responsible for any legal or governmental proceedings arising from the decision.

The tender covers the procurement, supply, operations and maintenance of 1,000 low-floor, 12-metre air-conditioned electric buses. The transport corporation had cancelled it on Tuesday, citing administrative reasons, after extending the bid-opening date multiple times.

The tender was floated in March under the gross cost contract (GCC) model, ahead of the announcement of the Assembly election schedule. The TVK government had allocated Rs 500 crore in the state budget for procuring the buses and upgrading depot infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the MTC's separate tender for 220 AC low-floor electric feeder buses has closed without receiving any bids. The proposed fleet comprises 70 seven-metre buses and 150 five-metre buses intended to provide first- and last-mile connectivity to Chennai Metro stations. The buses were to operate as conductor-less services with onboard fare collection systems on routes identified by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority and Chennai Metro Rail Ltd within a 5-km primary influence area of Metro stations.

The setbacks follow the cancellation of an earlier tender for 500 electric buses funded by the German development bank KfW during the DMK regime.

The accused have been identified as SFIO deputy director Harish Kumar Tanwar, a 2017 batch Indian Revenue Service officer, advocate Bharat Sharma, and his relative Aryan Sharma.

According to the CBI, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 1 crore from the complainant in exchange for a favourable outcome in an SFIO investigation into the Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL) scam. The SFIO functions under the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

After the registration of an FIR, the CBI laid a trap and arrested Bharat Sharma who allegedly received Rs 20 lakh from the complainant, as part payment of the demanded bribe, on behalf of the SFIO officer.

The CBI also searched premises linked to the officer and the advocate and recovered incriminating material related to the case. The investigation is in progress.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,08,120 per sovereign and Rs 13,515 per gram, after a decrease of Rs 75 per gram.

Earlier, on October 14 the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,08,720 per sovereign and Rs 13,590 per gram.

Silver prices dropped

Meanwhile, silver prices decreased by Rs 5, to sell at Rs 240 per gram (Rs 2,40,000 per kg) on October 15.

On October 14, silver was priced at Rs 245 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 94,880 per sovereign (Rs 11,860 per gram) on October 15, 2025, to Rs 1,08,120 per sovereign (Rs 13,515 per gram) on October 15, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 13,240 per sovereign or about 13.95 per cent.

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

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

October 12, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,09,760 | 1 gram - Rs 13,720

October 10, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,11,040 | 1 gram - Rs 13,880

October 9, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,10,520 | 1 gram - Rs 13,815

Silver price over the last five days:

October 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 13, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 12, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 10, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 9, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

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:

October 14 - Rs 107.77

October 13 - Rs 107.77

October 12 - Rs 107.77

October 11 - Rs 107.77

October 10 - Rs 107.77

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

October 14 - Rs 99.55

October 13 - Rs 99.55

October 12 - Rs 99.55

October 11 - Rs 99.55

October 10 - Rs 99.55

In the latest incidents, three workers died and another was hospitalised in separate accidents in Chennai on October 12.

Asmath Basha (38), from Periya Hasthinapuram in Arcot, Ranipet, and Naveenkumar (34), from West Tambaram, died after inhaling toxic gas while repairing a faulty electric motor in a 20-foot-deep well built for a stormwater drain pump in Kodungaiyur, under the Perambur constituency. Sewage that had entered the rainwater collection structure from nearby drains is suspected to have generated the gas.

In a separate incident on Veerasamy Street in Pallikaranai, Kesavan (29), from Nelli village in Chengalpattu district, died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a sewage tank at a house belonging to a woman named Aishwarya. Rajesh (49), a resident of the same locality who was working with him, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Earlier, on October 2, three workers—Ramachandran from Senthurai in Ariyalur and Bhaskar and Dinakaran from Tiruvarur—died after inhaling toxic gas while constructing a septic tank in Gandhi Nagar, Senthurai.

The TNUEF said a case under the appropriate legal provisions was registered only after its leaders and those of the CPM protested.

It demanded compensation of Rs 30 lakh for each of the families of the four workers who died in the Pallikaranai and Ariyalur incidents, along with government employment for one member of each affected family, in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.

Urging the government to establish sanitation engineering departments in higher education institutions, TNUEF state president T Chellakannu and general secretary P Sugandhi said specialised training and modern technological interventions were essential to prevent workers from being exposed to toxic gases and hazardous working conditions.

Over the past decade, she has taken her creativity from the floor to a collection of around 108 handmade dolls that she displays during Navaratri.

Amutha has always enjoyed art and crafts. She began drawing kolams, which became popular in her neighbourhood, before trying her hand at making dolls. The idea came when she wanted to keep a golu display at home but found that the dolls available in shops were expensive and didn't match what she had in mind. “I wanted to keep golu, but when I went to buy dolls, they seemed expensive. The ones available were also not quite how I wanted them to be.

So I thought, why not try making them myself?” she says.

Her first attempt was a statue of Goddess Lakshmi. When it turned out well, she decided to make more. Amutha started with four or five dolls a year and added to the collection little by little. Today, her home has around 108 sculptures, which she arranges for the annual golu display.

Amutha uses white cement to make the dolls. She shapes the figures, works on their faces and bodies and paints them herself. The clothes, jewellery and other details are also hand-painted. She learned the process on her own, trying different techniques until she gets the results she wants. “I have never had anyone teach me how to make these dolls. I learned everything by myself; it is my interest and passion that made me continue,” she says.

Her collection goes beyond statues of deities. Amutha has also made sets depicting occasions such as a baby shower and a wedding. The baby shower set has women seated around an expectant mother, with her husband standing beside her. "The wedding set includes a bride and groom, along with a miniature marriage mandapam that I made using cardboard and fabric. I have added details such as a homakundam and a priest to complete the wedding scene," adds the artist. Each set takes shape through her own ideas, with small elements added to make the scenes look familiar.

Among the largest pieces in her collection are statues of Goddess Lakshmi and Vinayagar, both measuring about 21 inches. She has also made a statue of Goddess Saraswati holding a veena, which she crafted herself.

Her neighbours have watched the growth of the collection over the years. "Many visit our home during Navaratri to see the golu and are surprised to learn that the dolls are handmade," she says. What began as an attempt to make the dolls she could not find in shops has grown into a collection that her neighbours look forward to seeing every Navaratri.

The arrested person, a native of Pudukkottai, was working at a parotta shop in Pondy Bazaar for the past three months and was staying at the shop. The shop owner had reportedly dismissed him after he repeatedly broke items at the workplace during sudden outbursts.

Around 5 am on Wednesday, Saravanan allegedly trespassed into the mosque and damaged a CCTV camera, a Wi-Fi modem, smashed windowpanes and allegedly tore a copy of the Quran.

Following a complaint from mosque officials, Vadapalani police rushed to the spot and took nearly an hour to bring him under control. He was admitted to the Government Royapettah Hospital for treatment for his injuries.

During a preliminary inquiry, police learnt that Saravanan had been receiving treatment for a mental health condition at the IMH, Kilpauk, since November 2024. His mother told the police that the family was unable to manage his condition at their home in Pudukkottai and that he had also been admitted to a private de-addiction centre for some time. Police suspect that he had stopped taking his prescribed medication.

Police are also investigating whether Saravanan was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. They ruled out the involvement of any religious group behind the incident.

The previous DMK regime floated the two tenders. MTC cancelled the 1,000-AC electric bus tender on Tuesday, citing administrative reasons, after extending the bid-opening date multiple times. The tender was floated in March under the gross cost contract (GCC) model, ahead of the announcement of the Assembly election schedule.

The ruling TVK government had allocated Rs 500 crore in the state budget to procure the 1,000 electric buses and upgrade depot infrastructure to accommodate the new fleet.

The second tender, for 220 air-conditioned low-floor electric buses intended to provide first- and last-mile connectivity to Chennai Metro stations, received no bids. The proposed fleet comprises 70 seven-metre buses and 150 five-metre buses.

The buses were proposed to operate as conductorless services, with onboard fare-collection systems, on routes identified by the CUMTA and CMRL within a 5-km primary influence area of Metro stations

The buses were proposed to operate as conductorless services, with onboard fare-collection systems, on routes identified by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) and Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) within a 5-km primary influence area of Metro stations in the city.

The seven-metre buses were to have at least 13 seats, one wheelchair space and a driver, while the five-metre buses were to have 11 seats, one wheelchair space and a driver. The contract stipulated assured operation of 4,200 km per bus per month. Once all 220 buses were deployed, the fleet would have clocked 9.24 lakh bus-km a month.

The latest setbacks follow the cancellation of an earlier tender to procure 500 electric buses with funding from the German development bank KfW. In March, the previous DMK government decided to cancel the tender pending KfW approval, and the KfW approved the cancellation in June. Subsequently, the procurement model was proposed to be shifted to the GCC model, officials noted.

The demonstration was organised to demand the immediate removal of street vendor encroachments from the pedestrian plaza footpaths on Monegar Choultry Road (MC Road). The protest caused significant traffic disruptions in the area.

Police personnel and Royapuram MLA K Vijay Dhamu rushed to the scene to hold talks with the demonstrators. While protesters demanded the immediate removal of vendors, Dhamu assured the merchants that vendors would be relocated from MC Road following Deepavali.

Addressing the media after discussions, Dhamu explained, “Vendors are underprivileged individuals who set up stalls using high-interest loans. So, the decision to temporarily permit street vendors to operate until Deepavali was made on humanitarian grounds. Alternative spaces will be arranged for them after the festival.”

He recalled that 133 street vendors were given shops on MC Road in 2011. “However, 29 vendors left out in the process are now demanding space. Some individuals who were allotted shops are running secondary stalls on the road through relatives, driving the total number of street stalls to nearly 100. Authorities are investigating complex occupancy, unauthorised shop re-sales, and abandoned units to find a permanent resolution,” he elaborated.

Meanwhile, merchants cited a 2020 High Court verdict and official Corporation GCC guidelines designating MC Road as a non-vending zone, similar to Khader Nawaz Khan Road and Pondy Bazaar. Despite submitting several petitions, GCC officials acted lethargically regarding enforcement.

R Mohamed Farook, association secretary, stated this was their second protest in 10 days. Vendors were cleared on October 7 and 8 after a previous demonstration, but returned by October 13. On Wednesday, around 2,000 traders closed their shops until 12:30 pm.

Association president Ashok Kumar stated: “Merchants have faced financial distress since COVID-19 and 3.5 years of continuous pedestrian plaza work. We carry liabilities in lakhs and crores. Unauthorised roadside stalls block both sides of the plaza during peak festive shopping, preventing customers and vehicles from accessing permanent store-fronts.”

GCC has floated tenders to carry out the works across two stretches: a 1.2 km section running from Napier Bridge to Periyar Bridge along Sivanandha Salai, and a 0.5 km section from Napier Bridge to the river mouth. The project includes a one-year maintenance period.

A senior official from the Corporation said, “As a pilot project, GCC will carry out tree and flower plantation work across the stretch to significantly improve greenery. More than 13,000 saplings will be planted and maintained for a year. Repairing compound walls, painting, and necessary civil repairs are also part of the scope.”

Once underway, the project will feature plant species such as Clerodendrum, hybrid shrubs, and Nerium. Supported by borewells, water setups, pumps, and fencing, the area is expected to blossom with flowers on both sides of Napier Bridge within six months. “Upon completion, the transformation will offer a refreshing view and a scenic experience for motorists and the general public, added the official.”

According to tender documents, the project encompasses jungle cutting and clearing, earthwork excavation, cement concreting, plastering, and brickwork. Additional tasks include painting plastered walls, coconut-thatched roofing, rig boring, enamel painting for grill gates, and installing booster pressure pumps and pressure compensators. The existing vegetation and bund near the left side of Napier Bridge along Sivanandha Salai can be utilised as a community space.

Spread across 5,300 sq ft, the facility has an operation theatre, laboratory, pharmacy, pet treatment room, kennels to accommodate 150 dogs, 100 rooms, a kitchen, doctors’ room and toilets. It also has facilities to perform sterilisation surgeries on 35 stray dogs a day. 

Stray dogs caught in Ambattur and Anna Nagar zones will be brought to the centre for sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination. The facility is the 14th centre operated by the Greater Chennai Corporation. 

Later, the Minister inspected SWD and desilting works going on at Ambattur, Anna Nagar and Teynampet zones. At the Ambattur Telephone Exchange junction, he inspected the SWD work carried out by the Water Resources Department from Cuckson Road to Cooum River for 5.10 km. He also reviewed SWD works going on with Asian Development Bank funding in Padi. 

In Anna Nagar, he inspected the 500-metre retaining wall strengthening work along the Otteri Nalla near Tirumangalam Road. In Teynampet, he inspected desilting works at the point where the Virugambakkam and Trustpuram canals join the Cooum at West Namachivayapuram. 

The Minister instructed officials to expedite the works before the monsoon and ensure regular removal of silt from the drains.

The revised report follows a review of the survey numbers and land parcels included in the proposed zone, taking into account hydrological connectivity, drainage pathways, satellite wetlands, existing infrastructure, land use and the wetland urban interface. The authority also examined historical satellite imagery available through Google Earth to assess changes in water spread, low lying areas, drainage channels, open lands and built up areas.

The status report, filed by Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Wetlands Authority, stated that the revision was undertaken following the court's directions and representations received from stakeholders.

The authority said it had received 23 representations from landowners, developers and others in and around the Pallikaranai Ramsar site. Their key demands included excluding privately owned patta lands from the proposed Zone of Influence or wetland-related regulatory area, reconsidering the inclusion of specific survey fields, recognising existing developments and permissions, and distinguishing between the wetland boundary, the Zone of Influence and developed private lands.

The revised proposal covers several survey numbers in Karapakkam, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Pallikaranai, Perungudi and Sholinganallur in Chennai district, besides parcels in Perumbakkam in Chengalpattu district.

In a significant clarification, the authority stated that construction activity need not necessarily be prohibited entirely throughout the proposed Zone of Influence and could instead be regulated based on site specific scientific and hydrological characteristics.

The report safeguards include prohibiting the blocking or diversion of natural drains and established inlet and outlet channels, preventing the dumping of solid waste and construction debris in drainage pathways, and restricting the discharge of untreated sewage and effluents into watercourses connected to the wetland. Permanent alteration of established hydrological connections and the establishment of Red Category industries with high pollution potential would also not be permitted.

Construction within the proposed zone would require a No Objection Certificate from the District Level Wetlands Management Committee under the proposed regulatory mechanism.

The authority said the regulatory framework was intended to protect the wetland's drainage network and ecological connectivity while balancing conservation requirements with development needs.

However, the revised Zone of Influence is only an interim arrangement and does not constitute the final delineation of the area, the report clarified. The final boundary will be determined after scientific and cadastral studies and ground truthing in accordance with the Wetlands Rules, 2017, and the relevant guidelines.