The system utilizes unique QR codes for each vehicle that are displayed behind the driver’s seat. Passengers can simply scan the code with their smartphones. If they feel unsafe or encounter any problem during their journey, they can press the SOS button within the QR code system. This will instantly send an alert message with the vehicle’s location and other relevant details to the police control room. Additionally, passengers can directly call the emergency number 112 for immediate assistance.

This technology enables real-time tracking of the vehicle and facilitates a faster response from law enforcement agencies, especially during late hours or in less populated areas. The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of passenger safety and highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for better public services.

The Police are also collaborating with popular ride-hailing applications like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to integrate their emergency response systems with the police control room. This means that any distress call made through these apps will also be directly communicated to the police, allowing for swift action.

With over 89,000 auto-rickshaws operating within the city, this initiative is expected to significantly bolster passenger safety and create a more secure transportation environment in Chennai. The project is being rolled out in phases, with the initial focus on autos and taxis. The government plans to expand this system to other modes of public transport in the future.

Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CMC, presided over the function, emphasizing the significance of science in everyday life and its role in India’s progress. The chief guest, Prof. Dr. Stephan Grill – Director of Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics (Germany), delivered a lecture on the ‘Physics of Life’, discussing living systems and molecular motors.

As part of the celebrations, the second edition of the Dr. N. Lakshmanan Memorial Science Quiz Competition was held on Feb.28 for Greater Chennai Corporation School students. Organised by A.K. Farvaze Ahmed and his team, the quiz saw participation from 93 students across 31 schools. CHSS – Virugambakkam won first place, followed by CHS – Korattur and CHS – Padikuppam. Trophies, shields, and prize money were awarded to winners by Dr. Anandavalli.

The event highlighted the theme ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat’, fostering scientific curiosity among young minds.

Leading the effort were Supriya Sahu IAS – Additional Chief Secretary (Department of Environment, Climate Change & Forests) and Silai Zaki – Australia’s Consul-General, who were joined by over 50 volunteers in cleaning the beach. V.Jaya Chandra Bhanu Reddy IAS – Additional Commissioner (Health), Srinivasan – Corporation Zonal Officer (Zone 13), Ignacio Albert Gleiser – Managing Director of Urbaser Sumeet, along with Urbaser Sumeet CEO Mahmood Sait and the senior management team, enthusiastically participated, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.

“Chennai has been making commendable strides in waste management, and we hope this initiative motivates people to realise they can make a difference to bring out the best of Chennai,” said Ms. Silai Zaki, Australia’s Consul-General.

These camps aim to assist the public with various issues related to the Public Distribution System (PDS), including:

• Addition or removal of family members in ration cards
• Address changes
• Inclusion or modification of LPG connection details

Additionally, senior citizens lacking proper identification will receive the necessary certification. Complaints regarding the quality or quantity of goods at ration shops and other PDS-related grievances will also be addressed.

Residents are encouraged to make use of these camps to resolve their concerns efficiently.

As part of this initiative, four new ‘Muthalamaichar Chiru Vilaiyattarangam’ were inaugurated in different assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu. Each facility, constructed at a cost of Rs.3 crore, contributes to a total investment of Rs.12 crore. The locations are: 

• Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni (Chennai): The facility boasts a state-of-the-art gymnasium with air-conditioned training halls, a 400-meter athletic track, a hockey field with floodlights, and two cricket training pitches.
• Solavandhan (Madurai District): This facility features a 200-meter running track, courts for kabaddi, volleyball and basketball, a long jump pit, and a grandstand with seating for spectators.
• Karaikudi (Sivagangai District): In Karaikudi, the facility features a 400-meter running track, multi-purpose courts for volleyball, basketball, and kabaddi, a long jump pit and a spectator stand.
• Thirunagari (Thoothukudi District): This facility has a 400-meter running track, football ground, basketball court, long jump pit and a spectator stand.

The event was attended by prominent ministers and officials, including: S.R. Rajakannappan – Minister for Co-operatives, Anitha R. Radhakrishnan – Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, P. Moorthy – Minister for Commercial Taxes, Dhayanidhi Maran – Member of Parliament, MLAs: A. Chenguttavan (Thirunagari), M.C. Shanmugaiya (Karaikudi), S. Mangudi (Kovilpatti), Chennai Mayor R. Priya, officials from the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, sports enthusiasts, and athletes.

These new sports facilities align with the government’s vision to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle while fostering young talent in various sports disciplines.

The Tamil Nadu government has already allocated Rs.1.5 crore to enhance water supply by expanding the existing underground water reservoir in Kannagi Nagar. Additionally, a major project worth Rs.69.57 crore is underway to construct a 3.8 million-litre capacity water tank and install pipelines to provide individual rooftop water tanks to every household. Currently, 23% of the work is completed, with the remaining 77% set for completion by June 2025.

In Tsunami Nagar, the existing 10 lakh-litre daily water supply is being expanded, with Rs.3 crore allocated to repair damaged pipelines and install new water tanks. Until infrastructure improvements are completed, additional water will be supplied through tankers.

The Chief Minister has also approved a ‘Vizhudhugal’ Speech and Physiotherapy Centre for differently-abled children in Kannagi Nagar. Furthermore, a beautification drive, including painting and renovation of buildings across 212 zones in Chennai, has been sanctioned.

The tradition of remembering lost turtles began after the mass stranding of 824 turtles in Penna Estuary, Nellore, in 2014, followed by another 1,000 deaths in Cuddalore. These losses were linked to mechanised trawl boats violating the Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, which mandates minimum fishing distances to protect marine life.

Dr. Supraja Dharini, Chairperson of TREE Foundation, emphasised that the 2014 tragedy became a call to action, strengthening conservation efforts. Guest speakers, including P. Muragavel – Assistant Director Superintendent (Fisheries), and S. Malathi – SI at Coastal Security Group, highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing and public awareness.

STPF members shared first-hand rescue experiences, reinforcing hope for conservation. TREE Foundation continues its mission to protect sea turtles and urges collaboration among government agencies, fishers, and the public to ensure the survival of these endangered species.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on the public, particularly those requiring continuous medication for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Pharmacies will offer a 25% discount on medicines, ensuring affordability for all.

To establish these 1,000 pharmacies, financial assistance of ₹3 lakh per unit was provided to self-help groups, while cooperative institutions received ₹2 lakh each. Medicine supplies will be managed by Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) and Tamil Nadu Consumer Cooperative Federation, ensuring efficient stock distribution through 38 regional warehouses.

The scheme also creates 1,000 new job opportunities for B.Pharm and D.Pharm graduates. Additionally, specialised training programs were conducted for pharmacists and cooperative society staff.

During the event, CM Stalin also distributed loans to women’s self-help groups under the “Wings for the Third Gender” scheme. Ministers K.R. Periyakaruppan, Ma. Subramanian, P.K. Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials attended the inauguration.

Here are the locations where Mudhalvar Marunthagam is operational in Chennai:

• Konnur High Road, Ayanavaram
• R.V. Nagar Last Main Road, Kodungaiyur
• Mannarsami Kovil Street, Pulianthope
• Tirupati Koodal Road, Kalaivanarnagar, Ambattur
• Govindan Street, Mettupalayam, Arundhatiyar Nagar
• Gandhi Street, K.M. Nagar, Kodungaiyur
• Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil Street, Chennai
• Nattu Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Seven Wells
• Kalyanapuram Street, Choolaimedu
• Chamiars Road, Nandanam
• Landons Road, Kilpauk
• Kamarajapuram, Pandithurai Street, Velachery
• Veeraraghava Rao Street, Triplicane
• Corporation Building, Littel Mount, Velachery Main Road
• Near Nagesh Theatre, T. Nagar
• Sundaram Street, Raja Annamalaipuram
• Luz Church Road, Mylapore
• Chelliamman Nagar Main Road, Durga Nagar, Tambaram
• Bharathi Nagar 2nd Street, P.V.N. Ration Shop, Pallavaram Taluk
• Shanthi Nagar, 3rd Street, Chromepet
• Mandaveli Street, Puzhuthivakkam Bus Stand
• New Bethany Nagar Main Road, Valasaravakkam
• Vanagaram Main Road, Alapakkam
• Padhuvancheri Main Road, Periyar Nagar, Madambakkam
• Kamaraj Highway, Old Perungalathur
• 10th Block, East Mugappair
• V.O.C. Makkaram Thottam, Kolathur
• 15th Main Road, Anna Nagar West
• 80 Feet Road, Kumaran Nagar, Peravallur
• 4th Main Road, Ayanambakkam
• Thulukanathamman Kovil Street, Venkadapuram, Ambattur
• 3rd Main Road, Narayanasami Garden, Selavoyal
• Perumal Kovil Street, Saduma Nagar, Thiruvottiyur
• 2nd Main Road, Mathur, MMDA
• Andiyappan Street, Vannarapettai
• 8th Street, Beach Road, Ennore
• Balasubramaniam Road, Periyar Nagar, Kolathur
• P.N.R. Road, Old Vannarapettai, Periyar Nagar, Kolathur

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the ‘U’-shaped flyover and a foot overbridge at Rajiv Gandhi IT Expressway (OMR), Thiruvanmiyur, on Feb.25. These infrastructure projects, built at a cost of Rs.27.50 crore and Rs.11.30 crore respectively, aim to ease traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The flyover spans 510 meters with a width of 8.5 meters, allowing seamless movement for vehicles from Thiruvanmiyur towards Velachery and Taramani, bypassing the busy traffic signal at TIDEL Park junction. The new foot overbridge connects Thiruvanmiyur MRTS railway station with West Avenue Road, providing safe passage for pedestrians with escalators on both sides.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy CM, Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasised the government’s commitment to urban infrastructure, highlighting that these projects will enhance connectivity for IT professionals and local residents. The inauguration was attended by Ministers E.V. Velu (Public Works), Ma. Subramanian (Health), MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian, and other government officials.

These developments mark another step in Chennai’s transformation into a modern, commuter-friendly city.

The initiative aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s healthcare infrastructure by deploying doctors across ESI hospitals, government primary health centres (PHCs), urban PHCs, and additional health centres. 

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised that healthcare is a top priority and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing quality medical care for all. He also praised Tamil Nadu’s initiatives, such as the ‘Innuyir Kaappom – Nammai Kaakkum 48’ scheme, which has significantly reduced accident-related fatalities.

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian, MLAs, and senior health officials attended the event. The Chief Minister assured the newly appointed doctors that the government would support them in their mission to save lives, urging them to prioritise public welfare above all else.