Friday 1 August 2014

One aspect of Chennai that I would like to change

This post is part of the blog tag titled, The CBC Tablog - 2, where CBC stands for Chennai Bloggers Club. About 30 bloggers from Chennai are participating in this blog tag where everyone will write about their favourite city Chennai and what aspect of the city that they would like to change. So here's my post for the CBC tablog - 2 titled, 'What Aspect of Chennai that I Would Like to Change.'


Every city has its own charms and challenges and Chennai (Madras) is not an exception. As much as I like the city, there are many aspects of it that I would like to change. One unchangeable aspect is the weather, of course but in this post, I wouldn't waste me time discussing the unchangeable.


I would like to change the lack of green lungs in the city. As the city is expanding and accommodating a diverse range of people from various states and countries, it is losing out on green spaces which provide a certain calm to the eyes and also a healthier environment to the residents. Summer along with perspiration and fatigue, which is a constant in this part of the world is at its peak between April and August and if the city has parks and garden spread out in different strategic places, the residents will be able to cool off and socialise in the shade of the trees and the space of a park. Chennai does have some parks dotted in some places but that alone isn't enough for the ever-growing population.

The Municipal Corporation should identify many such places where people can gather together and find some fresh air to breathe and space to spend time without having to think of power failures and aircons. People who like reading books should be able to pack some food and park themselves on a bench and enjoy their book along with occasional sights and sounds of the surroundings.

The parks could also have small kiosks selling juices, icecreams. coffee and sandwiches. I'm sure people would flock to buy themselves a small snack while they socialise and enjoy their books or solitude.

The garden/park culture should catch up in the city and become a vital aspect of the city's map. I hope this dream of mine comes to pass in the near future.


This post will be succeeded by Kaushik Govindaswamy's post. Kaushik blogs at Words & Lines and is quite a sensitive and creative young man. The logo for this Tablog was designed by him and one look at his sketches and designs will sure leave you interjecting in appreciation. He recently successfully completed the A-Z challenge in Blogging with a wide range of interesting posts. I wish Kaushik all the best for his blog and his drawing.

17 comments:

  1. In certain areas of Bangalore, I find one park for every 2-3 streets. People form local associations and maintain them well, too. Not sure why that culture did not find its way into Chennai.

    Also, I find most of the newly constructed apartments and houses lay cement flooring throughout their premises and don't plan for a garden. This was not the case until a couple of decades back. We lived in flats that had equal space for houses & gardens/play area.

    Good start to the Tablog, Susan.

    Destination Infinity

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Rajesh. We do have parks but a park culture is what we don't have. The idea of seeing parks as a good place for recreation is something that is not found much in Chennai. Hoping to read your ideas as well.

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  2. "Meanderings and Reflections" has been included in our Sites To See #383. Be assured that we hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2014/08/sites-to-see-383.html

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    1. Thanks Jerry. I think this is the second time? I am honoured and elated.

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  3. The Corporation should actually focus on the upkeep of the existing parks as well - the parks have been made messy by people throwing wrappers, food packets, waste, jogger and walkers' paradises have turned into garbage bins. If a 'fine' culture like Singapore is introduced, we may see better days!

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    1. True that Mahesh. I should have mentioned that as well. I hope that day soon arrives.

      Thanks for dropping by, dear Mahesh.

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  4. Wow, that's a very serene start to the tablog, Susan :)

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Sri. Looking forward to reading your post on this Tablog.

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  5. Panagal Park, Natesan Park, Jeeva Park..the trio of T.Nagar. The first 2 were in shambles few years back, but renovated and maintained well now :) More parks, more beautiful our Chennai transforms into :)

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    1. I know. I just wish Chennai adopts the park culture like the Western world. It would be wonderful to stroll and read in lovely green parks.

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  6. Consideration of the long-term application of change(s) in your city, I picture an educational approach...meaning right from earliest formal schooling, a "pre-school" program carefully worked and more cartefull taught to ALL children. This might mean a few years before "City Beautiful" is a reality. However, children cleaning up mindlessly misplaced trash might produce more immediate rewards

    Carry on, Susan Deborah. The small office I have in mind is in need of a supervisor. This COULD be YOU, Ma'am! You might be the model for all of India--grin!

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    1. Spot on Steveroni. Children should grow up with this vision and dream and only then we can strive for improvement. Thanks for this beautiful comment, Steve. Love having you drop by the Meanderings. Always a pleasure.

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  7. Panagal Park, Natesan Park, Jeeva Park..the trio of T.Nagar. The first 2 were in shambles, until they were renovated few years back, thankfully. Adding few more and also renovating the existing ones would really do good to Chennai :)

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  8. I hope the green dreams of life around IIT, Raj Bhavan, HD and stretch at Medavakkam is left off without disturbance from urbanization. The so called runs inside IIT is good, however, we are polluting the best of landscape in the city. What is the planet without planting trees...and what is earth without its patches of green? It is time that we take care of our surroundings and making parks accessible and spread the oxygen to our otherwise dreading environment. Excellent Post and good way to begin this blogtags!

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  9. Well done..Hopefully reading this may give the much needed spark to our readers to do the needful..

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  10. Compare to chennai, bangalore is one of the most better city in terms of parks, green garden, and important one is whether !..

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  11. It’s hard to come by experienced people on this topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
    Flats for Sale in Manikonda

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