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• Those waves of destruction • Threatening water... MADRAS • ... & threatened water • Nagarathnammal & the Aradhana MUSINGS • The Mylapore Festival Rs. 5 per copy Vol. XV No. 18 January 1-15, 2006 (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-)

A promisePallikaranai Marsh – waterfilled to after the rains. protect Nothing like a hot cup of filter coffee in this weather! Chins up, Chennai If ever a city had a right to the marsh Mood Melancholic, it was Chennai, battered and (Text and photographs by buffeted by ‘low pressures’ B. VIMALA, and ‘depressions’ for weeks Editor, Reach Velachery.) now. The weather people disclosed t took the November- way project has occupied 200 that at least six major systems I December floods to bring the hectare here. Land has also have made their unwelcome Pallikaranai Marsh to the atten- been allotted to FEFSI, the in- way to Chennai. tion of Government. In a ternational flower bazaar, the Did the cosmic comedy crew de- welcome statement, the Chief judicial academy and to many liberately gang up on us? Minister, after visiting flood- IT companies. Water certainly made its pres- ravaged Velachery and Madi- Care Earth, an NGO, made ence felt. pakkam, promised that the a study of the marsh in 2002 on If you are someone who consid- Pallikaranai Marsh would be behalf of the Tamil Nadu Pol- ers placing a toe gingerly in a protected to ensure that it re- lution Control Board. Accord- Burning of garbage near the Pallikaranai Marsh (see background in both pic- tures) threatens both marsh and settlements. particularly small wave com- mains a collection area for sur- ing to its report, there were 106 ing off the Bay of Bengal as adventure enough, imagine plus water. This commitment species of birds, 46 species of the horror of watching your by Government has been wel- fishes, 9 species of frogs, 21 spe- home turn into an island, or comed by all naturalists, NGOs, cies of lizards and snakes and gliding in boats down the very environmentalists and resi- 10 species of mammals inhabit- roads you were walking on two dents’ welfare associations in ing the swamp. This NGO also days ago. the area who have long been reported that the tall reeds that Frightened, displaced – it was the campaigning against the degra- grow here act as filters to clean ‘worst of times’ for many. dation of this wetland. surplus rainwater and un- You couldn’t help gazing with The marsh was once 5000 treated sewage water. measured censure at the hectare. It stretched from The Pallikaranai Marsh is a thirst-quenching liquid nest- present-day Madhya Kailash, storehouse for 19 lakes in and ling innocently in your steel tumbler even as you took a near the CLRI, to Muttukadu around Chennai. A PWD offi- sip. beach. Today, only about 600 cial states, “The marsh received “Not done,” you growled, “Your hectare are left. Even this is 13,000 cusecs of rainwater from sort is guilty of serious ex- shrinking day by day. Accord- October 27th this year till early cess.” ing to officials, 75 acres of the And – it is cold enough for ad- marsh were allotted to the Cor- (Continued on Page 5 ) vertisements hawking room poration of Chennai as a gar- heaters to appear. bage dump. Today, 2000 That’s right – room heaters. tonnes of unsegregated garbage Traffic improvements ahead? In Chennai. are being dumped daily by the “There’s another one coming,” Corporation, Onyx, municipali- They’re dependent on road-users became the Chennaiite’s ties in the vicinity and the favourite form of greeting. nyone who happens to be seems to be in the offing, with communications and control to Yet, a news image lingers – of a Alandur Municipality. This woman in a boat, arms dump has encroached into the Aon Chennai’s roads in advanced technology applica- enhance the efficiency of traf- around her children, with a marsh upto an extent of 250 peak hour traffic nowadays tions, like the Advanced Traf- fic movement and promote few, heart-breakingly few, be- acres! could write a scathing treatise fic Management Systems safety. The ATMS is one of longings scattered about her, The Chennai Metrowater on the depths to which Traffic (ATMS), that are to be intro- ITS’s functional areas. Its basic smiling bravely into the Board’s Perungudi Sewage Management has plummeted duced within the city in the functions are to collect, utilise camera. Treatment Plant is located over the years. Add to this in- next few months. and disseminate real time data That’s the spirit of the city. here. So too the National Insti- adequate road capacities, lax- Commonly known as Intel- on congestion on arterial streets Chennai bore with – she knew tute of Ocean Technology’s ity in traffic control, and driver ligent Transportation Systems and expressways. The applica- the sun will be back soon. and the Department of Wind- indiscipline, and the scenario (ITS), these technologies es- Ranjitha Ashok mill Energy. The MRTS rail- seems truly hopeless! But respite sentially utilise electronics, (Continued on Page 10 )

CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS January 1-15, 2006 Those waves of destruction

sunami is a Japanese word wave depends on water-depth. out to the deep ocean (distant Trepresented by two charac- If an earthquake on the sea bot- tsunami) and another that trav- ters – tsu, meaning harbour, and tom occurs offshore at a depth els towards the nearby coast (lo- nami, meaning wave. They are of 1000 m, the speed of a tsu- cal tsunami). The height above called ‘harbour waves’ because nami becomes about 360 km per the mean sea level (MSL) of they are most noticeable in hour. the two oppositely travelling harbours. They are common in The height of a tsunami tsunamis is about half that of Japan (25% of tsunamis origi- depends on the intensity of the the original tsunami. potential, stripping beaches of was struck at 10.00 hours. The nate from there), although they earthquake. Assuming that at Deep ocean tsunamis travel sand that may have taken years Survey of India (SOI) main- can occur anywhere where the the initial offshore point, at a faster than local tsunamis. In to accumulate and ripping up tains tidal gauges along the seabed is liable to rapid move- water depth of 1000 m, the the deep ocean, this wave trav- trees and other coastal vegeta- eastern coast. There are only ment, by earthquake rupture, initial height is 2 m, at the coast- els at speeds of 500-1,000 km per tion. Flooding hundreds of three of them located in the af- volcanic eruptions or collapse, line, at 1 m water depth, a hour. The slope of the wave, metres inland, the fast-moving fected region: Chennai, or by sediment slumping (un- tsunami wave will be as high as which extends hundreds of body of water can crush homes Nagapattinam and Tuticorin. derwater landslides). In the 11.2 m. kilometres, is so gentle that and other structures. Apparently, all three were de- past, tsunamis were referred to The most destructive tsuna- even ships travelling on top of a Once a tsunami hits land, a stroyed in the disaster. There- as ‘tidal waves’ and as seismic mis are caused by subduction tsunami wave will not feel it. part of the energy is reflected fore, only rough estimates of the ‘sea waves’ by the scientific zone earthquakes. A subduc- The momentum of the tsunami back into the sea. Besides, a tsu- run-up are available. The ports, community. The term tidal tion zone is where two of the is so great that it can travel great nami can generate what are however, maintain what are waves is a misnomer; although earth’s rigid tectonic plates con- distances with little loss of called edge waves that travel known as tide poles with mark- a tsunami’s impact on a coast- verge towards one another energy. back and forth in relation to the ings on them. The Chennai Port line is dependent on the tidal (roughly a few centimetres per As a tsunami leaves the deep shore. These effects result in recorded a tidal wave height of level at the time a tsunami year), and one plate, usually waters of the open ocean and many arrivals of the tsunami at 4.1 m, while the Ennore Port re- strikes, it is unrelated to tides, a point on the coast. Because of corded 3.5 m. The normal which result from the imbalan- this it is not advisable to go to maximum tolerance that these ced, extraterrestrial, gravita- l Remembering the tragedy of a year ago the beach several hours after a ports are designed to handle is tional influences of the moon, – A scientific view by SANTOSH KUMAR tsunami hits. about a metre of tide. These sun and planets. The term ‘seis- are, of course, rough param- SARKAR and Md. AFTAB ALAM of the Univer- December 2004 tsunami mic sea waves’ is also mislead- sity of Calcutta eters, and the SOI is trying to ing. ‘Seismic’ implies an earth- The December 26th tsunami determine the exact values. quake-related generation that hit India and Southeast The killer waves claimed at mechanism. Tsunamis are not composed of heavier oceanic travels into the shallower water Asia was the biggest, in terms of least 3,000 islanders in the generated by the gravitational material, dives beneath the near the coast, its character earthquake that triggered it, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. pull of the moon or the sun; other which is generally a changes. In the course of its the extent of destruction it About 5,000 people were re- they are indeed produced im- lighter plate. At the boundary travel – and it can travel thou- caused and the number of ported missing and thousands of pulsively by an undersea earth- where the two rub against each sands of kilometres – a tsunami deaths (273,000) since 1900. buildings demolished. The quake, but they can also be other, the lower one drags and power remains virtually un- The causative sea disturbance worst affected areas were Car caused by volcanic eruptions, flexes the top one slightly changed. But, as it enters the was an earthquake of magni- Nicobar, Mayabandar, Rangat, meteorite impacts or downward. When the upper shallow water in its approach to tude above 8.5 on the Richter Diglipur and the Nancowrie underwater landslides. plate rebounds to its original the coast, a tsunami’s speed scale – the most recent value groups of islands. Significantly Tsunami waves cause position, it causes sea-floor dis- slows and its height grows. Im- given by United States Geo- the Andaman tribes, the Great currents that are mainly con- placement. This disturbance perceptible at sea, it may swell logical Survey (USGS) is 9.0 – Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa fined to a shallow oceanic layer propagates outward as a tsu- up to 10 m, or over 30 ft, near whose epicentre was off the and Sentinelese, collectively beneath which is relatively nami. And the wave height will the coast. When it reaches the west coast of northern Sumatra known as Negrito tribes of Afri- calm water. Strong winds may at best be a couple of metres. coast it may appear as a rapidly (3.3° N, 95.78° E) and at 10 km can descent, made to high be able to generate even 30- Unlike a tidal wave, a tsu- rising or falling tide. Tsunamis depth. The quake occurred at ground early to escape from the metre high waves in the open nami extends deep down into may reach a maximum vertical 00.59 hours Coordinated Uni- tsunami. ocean, but even these do not the ocean waters. That is, a tsu- height onshore above sea level versal Time (CUT) – same as move the deep waters. Tides, nami crest is just the very tip of of 10, 20 and even 30 metres. Greenwich Mean Time After-effects which occur all over the earth a very vast mass of water in mo- Although a tsunami loses its (GMT). The location was 250 Much of the “earth is ring- twice a day, produce currents tion. Within several minutes of energy as it hits the shore, it still km south-southeast of Banda ing like a bell” after the Decem- that reach the ocean bottom – the quake, the initial tsunami lands with tremendous power. Aceh, Sumatra, 1,260 km ber 26th earthquake that trig- just as tsunamis do – but these will split into one that travels Tsunamis have great erosion south-southwest of Bangkok, gered the tsunami around the too are of shorter wavelengths and 1,605 km northwest of Indian Ocean and is still ring- as compared to tsunamis. Once Scenarios in history: Five deadly tsunamis Jakarta. Professor Jeffrey Park ing today, emphasises Dr. a tsunami is generated, its steep- of Yale University states that Ronald Burgmann, Professor of ness (ratio of height to wave- Year Place Casualties the quake’s rupture moved gi- Earth and Planetary Science, length) is extremely low. This ant slabs of rock at least 20 University of California. Ac- lack of steepness, combined 856 Damgham, Iran 200,000 metres over a distance equiva- cording to Burgmann, adjust- with the wave’s very long pe- 1138 Alleppo, Syria 230,000 lent to that between Florida ments in the earth’s mantle riod (5 to 20 minutes), enables 1556 Shansi, China 830,000 and New England. Dr. Park could have triggered an earth- it to pass unnoticed beneath 1923 Kwanto, Japan 143,000 warned that the Sumatra- quake of 8.7 magnitude in the ships at sea. As the tsunami 1948 Turkmenistan 110,000 Andaman earthquake would same area on March 28, 2005. crest approaches shore, how- continue to affect the region The quake also set records for ever, the situation changes rap- Ten destructive tsunamis of the recent past for many years. the longest fault rupture and idly and often dramatically. The Tamil Nadu coast was the longest duration of faulting. The period of the wave remains Date Place Max. wave Casualties about 2,000 km from the Australian university scien- constant, velocity drops, and height epicentre. The wave seemed to tists said hyper-sensitive gravity- 2.11.1992 Nicaragua 10m 170 wave height greatly increases. have hit Cuddalore first, barely measuring equipment had 2.12.1992 Flores Island 26m >1,000 On reaching the coast, water one and a half hour, after the picked up the reverberations, a 12.7.1993 Okushiri, Japan 31m 239 surges ashore in the form of a event. That made the tsunami rare seismic event. Ringing cor- 12.7.1993 Papua-New Guinea 15m >2,200 very high, very powerful tide. hit an extremely fast one, with responds to about a millimetre 2.6.1994 East Java 14m 238 In confined coastal waters rela- a speed of about 900 km per of vertical motion of the earth, 14.11.1994 Mindoro Island 7m 49 tively close to their point of ori- hour. The first wave to hit says Herb Mc Queen of the Uni- 9.10.1995 Jalisco, Mexico 11m 1 gin, tsunamis can reach a height Chennai, according to the Sur- versity of Earth Sciences Re- 1.1.1996 Sulawesi Islands 3.4m 9 of perhaps 30 metres. The wave veyor General of India, was at search School. is a fast, onrushing flood of wa- 17.2.1996 Irian Jaya 7.7m 161 08.40 hours Indian Standard 21.2.1996 North coast of Peru 5m 12 ter. The speed of the tsunami Time (IST); Machilipattanam (Continued on Page 4 ) January 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

A two-page pull-out on threatening water and water threatened Failure to save city from water

he flooding of much of CMWSSB’s and the water raised by the PWD was ‘How TChennai and its suburbs bodies are with the PWD. Co- do you dispose of the large has been traumatic for thou- ordination between these agen- amounts of soil that would need sands of citizens and the scores cies is the responsibility of the to be relocated?’. Why not of relief providers. Areas sub- Chennai Metropolitan Devel- dump it in big quarries or use it merged included parts of Kotti- opment Authority (CMDA). to make soil-cement blocks for The radial Velachery-Tambaram road days after the fury of the floods. (Pho- vakkam, Neelankarai, Pala- With four different authorities construction purposes? tograph by B. VIMALA.) vakkam, Injambakkam, Okki- each with its own agenda, co- “There has been a steep ero- yam Thoraipakkam, Sholin- ordination inevitably suffers. A sion of the planning and coordi- “The question of reducing alleviate the flooding in Neelan- ganallur and Karapakkam, be- senior CMDA official cited nating functions of the CMDA. the number of local bodies has karai. With so many existing fa- sides areas west of the Palli- “the tremendous pressure on When the CMDA was insti- recently been raised. For in- cilities to connect to the sea, karanai Marsh, such as Vela- the land due to the urban im- tuted, till about the 1980s, it stance, in Delhi, city planning one more is totally unneces- chery, Madipakkam, Pallikara- pact” as the reason for en- functioned as a coordinating is easier because the Delhi De- sary,” he feels. nai, Kovilampakkam, Nan- croachments along the rivers, authority. It was even expected velopment Authority dictates Already there are many mangalam and Perungudi. In which, though “not encour- to oversee the budget of the what to do and what not to do. PWD projects underway to many areas, sewage pipes have aged in principle are very diffi- various departments involved. Here, the CMDA, a coordinat- tackle these very same issues. A been overflowing for days. A cult to prevent.” Paucity of Unfortunately, the heads of the ing agency, lacks proper access Rs. 30 crore project begun in Velachery resident wails, “I feel funds to help relocate the slum State Government Depart- to knowledge resources in spe- 1999 mainly for desilting the I’m in the middle of a massive dwellers, and politicised re- ments never lent their power to cific areas for effective plan- Canal from Muttukkadu to sewage tank”. settlement issues complicate the collective body, that is the ning. Access to current topo- Ennore Creek is now complete. Official reports say the the process, the official says. CMDA. And the CMDA too graphical data itself is an issue But everywhere the PWD says flooding has been largely “be- “Planning is going on, and has failed to push its mandate,” because of the resource crunch. it faces the same problems. tween the Buckingham Canal project implementation is un- he says. Kuppuraj affirms, “If so Local bodies too need to have a “Land acquisition issues hinder and the East Coast Road” and sense of ownership and in- new projects and encroachers mainly due to “unprecedented volvement to ensure the suc- hinder improvements in exist- rainfall on a geographically flat l by SHOBHA MENON cess of any project aimed at bet- ing structures. If these two terrain”. C. S. Kuppuraj, former tering the local conditions.” hurdles are taken care of, the Chief Engineer, PWD, says, Besides the State’s now project can be completed “Why call the situation ‘un- derway, but at a slower pace. much construction has taken enunciated commitment to within a year. We’re also plan- precedented’ when similar rains Both these, however, do not place where it shouldn’t, it just protect natural wetlands, such ning to widen the Buckingham occurred in 1943, 1961 and match the rate of develop- means the CMDA has failed as as the Pallikaranai Marsh, a de- Canal in certain stretches, par- again in 1971? People did not ment.” “He recommends: a regulatory body.” tailed report is expected on the ticularly Sadayankuppam to suffer this much then because “First, a suitable investment pat- “Doesn’t the CMDA realise possibility of having a regulated Ennore Creek.” there were fewer encroach- tern to move poor people to that it is not Planning Permis- canal (straight cut) direct to Says Dr. S. Mohan of the ments, less density of popula- safer places. For low-lying areas, sion Authority but Develop- the sea from the Buckingham Department of Civil Engineer- tion, and pre-monsoon works providing proper drainage and mental Authority that sits at the Canal area adjoining the ing, IIT, “The many agencies (that involved keeping the sewerage facilities with the in- apex of the city’s developmen- Okkiyam Maduvu. Says Chief involved have not realised the mouths of the main waterways volvement and help of private tal measures? It is their job as Engineer R. Natarajan, Water harm that encroachments on open) were regularly carried organisations.” the main custodian to coordi- Resources Organisation of the and beside drainage channels out (till upto 1975, that is). The The recently launched nate with all agencies involved. PWD, “The Buckingham Ca- in the city can cause. The official machinery has become project by the Prime Minister on The CMDA seems to have, nal, originally a navigation ca- Buckingham Canal, a recent more lackadaisical from the December 3rd, the Rs. 1 lakh over the years, forgotten what it nal, has no slope, but was forced study revealed, can even be a 1970s”. crore Jawaharlal Nehru Na- was originally formed for – to to become a flood carrier as the good barrier to sea water intru- Kuppuraj adds, “If Pudupet tional Urban Renewal Mission, comprehensively look at and city developed. According to sion besides being a good flood and Chintadripet are inun- for integrated development of coordinate the whole develop- the earlier route followed, the carrier (if no waste water is dis- dated it’s because the mouth of infrastructure services in 86 cit- ment process of the city. A De- waters had to traverse 13 km charged into it and pathways the Cooum is closed. And with ies, of which Chennai is one, velopmental Agency refers to a from Madu to Muttukkadu to are cleared). Cleaning up and MRTS over the Buckingham now seems to be the next body that should look at the meet the sea. Two factors af- maintenance of the existing Canal alignment from Chinta- looked-forward-to event by the city’s future expansion and pro- fect the flow – the distance tra- waterways is itself enough to dripet to Taramani for about 10 ‘infrastructure developers’, vide for growth and urban im- versed and the high tide and ensure good drainage.” km, what else can you expect? with the States and municipal pacts. Why point fingers?” won- low tide levels. From the On June 30, 2005, the High The PWD granted permission bodies undertaking the neces- ders a Water Resources expert. straight cut planned at Court in its order called for to the Railways on condition sary reforms to avail of Central The expert adds, “Though Okkiyam Maduvu – whose “ruthless and pitiless” removal that there would be no hin- funds. “Implementation might the CMDA gives planning per- projected cost is Rs. 10 - 15 of all structures encroaching on drance to the flow of water. So, be difficult initially, but the mission, the real crux is with the crore, besides land acquisition water bodies all over the State. where the original canals are situation will be under control local administration body. charges — the distance of flow How much of this has hap- blocked, an alternate canal in 3-5 years,” says a CMDA of- There is always better coordi- to the sea will be around 2½ km. pened? “Who is interested in must be provided alongside by ficial. nation during a crisis, but little But the need to cross the ECR this happening, is the question? the Railways. That’s not been G. Dattatri, former Chief or no cooperation at all other involves land acquisition And unscrupulous politicians done. And I hear that the Cor- Town Planner, however, points times. Theoretically, the hurdles.” conveniently blame poor people poration, that has not been out, “If there was proper main- CMDA is an apex body that has Kuppuraj calls this “an abso- for encroaching while they maintaining all the existing tenance of drainage channels, no real authority. Each depart- lutely stupid idea”. “The merrily carry out open sale of stormwater drains (along 700 there would definitely have ment it coordinates has its own Buckingham Canal is already approved layouts on reclaimed km of roads), is now planning to been a 30-40% reduction in the agenda and priorities. For in- connected to the sea at every water tanks, as in the Madu- construct many more for the re- stagnation of water. An addi- stance the Metrowater is fo- river crossing – Kortalayar, ravoyal tank area,” says a maining 2300 km!” tional 30% would have come cussed on supplying water, not Cooum, Adyar, Muttukkadu, former PWD official. Flooding occurs mainly be- down if existing tanks had been on deepening and desilting Mahabalipuram, right upto Have one body to control cause water does not flow deepened to hold more water. tanks. Every year funds must be Marakkanam – and controlled the water bodies and ensure smoothly along the water carri- Besides the deepening, there is allocated to address ALL as- by a system of locks that have unitary control, suggests an- ers in the city which suffer from also a need to sink a number of pects. There is no proper inter- remained unused for the last 50 other expert. But says yet an- silting, encroachments etc. recharge wells. Around 1985, departmental cooperation (al- years (since boat traffic other, “What if that too func- While surface drainage is a when the CMDA initiated a most a generation gap even), as ceased). In fact, a group of lo- tions like the CMDA?” function of the Corporation, project through the PWD on intra-departmental cooperation cals had to ‘unjam’ the lock at Even more unfortunate is underground drainage is the deepening the tanks, the issue itself is an issue. the Muttukkkadu Junction to (Continued on Page 4 ) PULL OUT 4 MADRAS MUSINGS January 1-15, 2006 The threat to rivers, beaches and seas them. Global warming is also their way into humans when works. This was time-consum- having a significant impact. To they eat this contaminated ing and expensive, but rela- (By A Special Correspondent) make matters worse, over-fish- food. tively straightforward. It is now irtually every waste pro- carrying with them the pollu- ing has devastated many of the Unless we act to preserve our poised to tackle the far more Vduct discarded by man- tion from the settlements that world’s great fisheries. Clearly, aquatic environment, not only difficult problem of ‘diffuse pol- kind eventually ends up in the line their banks. Historically, the loss of such great natural will we be hungrier and poorer, lution’. This arises from innu- aquatic environment. Un- our wetlands soaked up much resources can worsen regional but the future of our civilization merable low-level sources, such treated sewage, chemical dis- of this pollution, but many of instability and conflict. itself could be threatened. as drainage water from farmers’ charges, industrial pollution these are also under grave Whilst it is vital to preserve Britain, the cradle of the in- fields, or run-off from roads. and agrochemicals are the most threat. Around 50 per cent the natural world for its own dustrial revolution, was as a Agricultural sources now ac- obvious sources of pollution. But have been destroyed over the sake, the future of humanity consequence the first to suffer count for around 80 per cent of there are myriad other less no- past century alone. also rests on the health of our the ill-effects of large-scale pol- aquatic pollution. ticeable sources too. Leaks from Many of the world’s cities marine and freshwater environ- lution. It has learnt a lot from its Tackling diffuse pollution is landfill sites, discharges from are on, or close to, the sea. As a ments. A significant proportion past environmental mistakes extremely difficult as it requires old mines and the run-off from consequence, many coastal wa- of mankind’s food supply is har- and developed expertise in cor- the positive input of huge num- roads all pollute our precious ters are contaminated with raw vested from rivers, lakes and recting them. The UK now has bers of individuals, businesses water. Airborne pollution also sewage, agricultural run-off seas. This food is becoming in- some of the cleanest rivers in and organisations. To achieve enters lakes and rivers through and industrial wastes. As a re- creasingly contaminated with Europe. Around three-quarters this, farmers, for example, will contaminated rain. sult, marine ecosystems are in industrial waste. To make mat- of its rivers are now classified as be encouraged to manage their But it is not just freshwater serious danger. Round the ters worse, certain pollutants are being of ‘good’ quality or bet- land in a more sustainable man- that is under threat. Almost all world, pollution is playing a ma- becoming increasingly concen- ter. Europe’s dirtiest river – the ner and to minimise the leach- of the world’s major rivers even- jor part in destroying reefs and trated in the body fat of marine Mersey – was cleaned up to ing of fertiliser into streams and tually find their way to the sea, the fisheries that depend on fish and animals. These find such a degree that it is now a rivers. Road drainage systems thriving salmon fishery. may need to be modified to pre- Cleaning up rivers has had a vent oil and petrol from con- significant positive effect on the taminating watercourses. New seas that surround the country. water treatment facilities may THOSE WAVES OF The seas are cleaner than they be needed in urban areas. Be- have been for at least a century cause of its very nature, diffuse – and water quality is still im- pollution will require as many DESTRUCTION proving. solutions as there are sources of Water quality has improved contamination. massively over the past 30 years. These measures will have a (Continued from Page 2) ond, faster, shortening the day several hundred km south of This is largely a result of in- profound long-term effect not US scientists state that the by that much. New Zealand and was felt in creasingly stringent legislation, only on rivers, lakes and streams tsunami had permanently al- The ecological damage to parts of both countries. which has compelled industry but also on the seas surrounding tered the map of Asia by mov- coral reefs, mangroves and Scientific failure to clear up its water-borne pol- the coasts. Cleaner rivers mean ing some small islands up to 20 coastal forests has been severe. lution. In addition, new ‘high- that the sea will become even Tsunami left everyone con- metres. The quake has moved In order of severity, it is the tech’ sewage treatment works fresher. To further enhance vinced, rightly or wrongly, of a the entire island of Sumatra Nicobar Island group, then the have been built in many of the these benefits, the UK is mak- ‘scientific failure’. Science and about 100 ft. to the southwest. Andaman group and finally major conurbations to further ing strenuous efforts to preserve Technology Minister Kapil There is a dispute among scien- Tamil Nadu. clean up waste waters. These and enhance its wetlands. tists whether there have been Sibal acknowledged that the measures, which have so far These are not only vital for Australia is surrounded by shifts or tilt, including in the Indian Meteorological Depart- cost many billions of pounds, wildlife; they also play a vital 8,000 km of active tectonic Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ment (IMD) and other science have resulted in the elimination role in cleansing rivers and seas. plate boundaries capable of According to the scientists of establishments are functioning of large-scale pollution from the It is also implementing policies generating devastating tsuna- the National Geophysical Re- with systems which are, to put it UK. that will encourage the creation mis during the next decade as search Institute (NGRI), the mildly, outdated. Water quality is a priority in of new wetlands. Where desir- the government prepares to cre- th tsunami has pushed India 12 On December 26 , there the UK and one of its headline able, the UK will even flood ag- ate a national tsunami warning cm closer to Indonesia. The was a two-hour window in indicators of sustainable devel- ricultural lands to create new system. One third of the world’s findings are the result of the which the people in the vulner- opment. wetlands. earthquakes take place along analyses of data gathered over able areas could have been The UK’s previous efforts at (Courtesy: Global Warning: these boundaries. On Decem- a month from the global posi- warned, but were not because reducing pollution focussed on An overview of the UK and the ber 23rd, three days before the tioning satellite (GPS), posi- of the lack of an early warning cleaning up the effluents from Environment, issued by the For- Indian Ocean tsunami, a mag- tioned at different locations on system. (Courtesy: Journal of localised sources, such as eign & Commonwealth Of- nitude of 8.1 quake occurred the islands. It is accepted that Indian Ocean Studies) chemical plants and sewage fice.) any massive earthquake of more than seven magnitude, if it occurs on separating two land Failure to save city from water masses, could diminish the dis- tances between them. The December 26th devas- (Continued from Page 3) raghavan – in mid-2002 sub- struction of new reservoirs, new feels that “all the water that has tating earthquake may have mitted recommendations to check dams, new barrages and been let out is not a waste, since also permanently accelerated the fact that more than 15 utilise the monsoon floods and interlinking of river basins. The 20-30% of it has definitely en- the earth’s rotation, shortening TMC per day has gone to the outflows to the sea. One of the project was expected to save sured a good flushing of the the days by a fraction of a sec- sea this season from the policy changes suggested was the State at least 100,000 mil- water channels.” ond (Richard Gross, a geophysi- Chennai Basin – from the to change the dependability lion cubic feet of water and All said and done, however, cist in NASA’s jet propulsion Poondi, Shozhavaram, Puzhal norm to 25% from 50% (which avoid most of the flood havoc, the city’s water problem – ei- laboratory, California). It was and Chembarambakkam reser- means that the government besides regenerating lost aqui- ther too little or too much – can reported that as a consequence voirs. A High Level Committee should take up a project even if fers all over the State. “It how- only be saved by a united politi- of the quake, the earth may – of four retired Chief Engi- there are rains and floods once ever continues to gather dust in cal will and public participation have spun on its axis 3 micro- neers headed by an IAS officer in four years). Key recommen- the Secretariat,” laments an ex- that will address, with genuine seconds, or 3 millionths of a sec- and engineer, T.S. Vijaya- dations also included the con- pert. Prof. Mohan, however, concern, every issue. January 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

major problem due to the spread of AIDS. It is believed by many that Chennai is the headquarters of They wrote as a hobby the HIV virus. To combat these Will action be taken? evils, the Government has in- he credit for the growth of various categories Balju (N. Balasubramaniam) of the same of- greatly appreciate the Trust stalled condom vending ma- Tof magazines and periodicals in Tamil Nadu fice reported on various matters and wrote short Ifor Ecology and Eco-Restora- chines at ‘strategic’ points in the cannot be hogged by professional journalists stories to Kumudam. tion (TREE), represented by T. city. But some ‘Jamaat’ women alone. There have been several writers who, while Many may not know that K. Balachander, Murugavel, filing a Public In- have objected to this on the having other permanent avocations, pursued the cine director, earlier worked as an officer in the terest Litigation (PIL) against grounds that it will spread im- hobby of contributing articles, short stories, nov- office of Accountant General, Madras, and at the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone morality. els, dramas, etc. to magazines. I give below an the time wrote several dramas and staged them. Management Authority re- This is difficult to under- illustrative and not exhaustive list of noted writ- Another officer of A.G’s office was P.V. ers who worked in Central Government offices. Ramakrishna, wellknown for his social novels. questing the Madras High stand because condoms are eas- Theodore Baskharan, a former Postmaster- Nadodi (M. Venkataram) was noted for his Court to direct the respondents ily available in medical shops. General, with expert knowledge of the cine field, articles and stories studded with humour. He to take all measures, including How can it “encourage antiso- heritage, wildlife and social matters, has contrib- worked in a Government office in Delhi. Hema preventive measures, to cease cial elements to indulge in ne- uted several articles on them. Anandathirthan, a State Bank officer, wrote sto- all activities detailed in the ar- farious activities” if they pro- Vaduvoor Duraiswamy Iyengar, the famous ries and novels both in Tamil and Malayalam. ticle, and obtain an order for re- cured the condom from the Tamil novelist, worked in Postal Audit office for Pushpa Thangadurai (Sri Venugopalan) was storing the areas affected by vending machines instead of some years. The same office boasted of Makaram wellknown for his social and historical novels. sand extraction around the the shops? It is not as though (K.R. Kalyanaraman) who wrote humorous ar- He worked in Indian Overseas Communications Adyar Estuary and Elliot’s the Government wants to ticles and anecdotes and reviewed Tamil novels office. Beach (MM, November 16th). increase condom sales for com- for The Hindu, Raa Baa or Banan (R. Balakrish- I have given the details from memory. I might nan) who wrote short stories, travelogues and well have not mentioned some good writers. Per- The question is when the or- mercial gain when it takes such reports of interviews with VIPs, and Rasavathi haps readers could add to the list and also fur- ders are passed as prayed for, steps. (R. Srinivasan), who wrote short stories, novels nish information on freelance writers who will they be complied with by All this only goes to show and dramas and who was the first recipient of worked in State Government offices and in other the respondents. The Adyar that in spite of the efforts of the Narayanaswamy Iyer novel prize instituted professions. River has been highly polluted Suniti Solomon, several people by Kalaimagal for his work Aadhaara Sruthi. by hazardous industries and a are unaware of the horror called Sage TGN (T.G. Narayaswamy), a fiery ora- M.R. Pillai report to this effect was given AIDS. tor and penman, contributed several articles to H 64/5, Central Avenue by Anna University’s Environ- C.G. Prasad leading magazines. He also has had published Korattur ment Department and the 9, C.S. Mudali Street books on spiritual matters. Chennai 600 080 Tamil Nadu Agricultural Uni- Kondithope, Chennai 600 079 versity, Coimbatore. A visit to Nostalgic name When my wife wrote an ar- December 1st and 16th) I can- to let me play for a team other ticle on the house a few years not restrain myself from adding than the College’s. Besant Nagar will show that egarding reader N. Dhar- unauthorised construction has ago in the Hindustan Times, one of my own. Apart from cricket, what I R meshwaran’s query in Delhi, the Burmese Ambassa- enjoyed most was the banter been steadily going on near the In the 1953 season, I think, I MM, December 1st, Burma dor, like reader Dharmesh- and the humour in the pavilion Beach, and Corporation offi- was inducted into the Alwarpet House got its name when Dr. waran, contacted her to find – for Alwarpet/Mylapore has a cials have not taken any steps cricket team, while a student at (Prof.) R. Venkateswaran built out more details. well deserved reputation for a to prevent this. MCC, Tambaram. I think it was it. He had very pleasant memo- particular brand of wit. Will the orders passed this Dr. G. Sundaram the year I was selected for the ries of his earlier life and stay in My departure to the U.K. for time prove more effective? IAS (Rtd.) Madras University team and Burma, but he had to leave that further studies (and cricket) ‘Burma House’ my induction into the Alwarpet P.S. Subrahmanian country when World War II broke that much-cherished and New No.33, Old No.18 side definitely owed a debt to ‘Muruganadi’ broke out and he came back to well-remembered association 9th Street Mandalam Subramanian, who F-4, Kannika Nivas India on foot. When he con- with the Alwarpet Cricket 7, Varadachari Street Dr. Radhakrishnan Road was the captain of MCC that structed the house, he named Club. Long may it, and VAP, Ranga Nagar, Srirangam Chennai 600 004 year. A further debt to the in- it out of nostalgic memories of a remain on our cricket horizons Trichy 620 006 imitable, indefatigable VAP, land where he had had a sense Alwarpet memories – and in the 1st Division. Unaware of horror of fulfilment. It was a name midwife, mother, martinet etc. which, in the future, would fter reading Ramnara- etc. of the Club, who (would K.R.N. (Ravi) Menon he city, State and parts of hold for him a quiet and happy Ayan’s reminiscences of the you believe it?) had to obtain Arjey-Apex Centre Tthe nation are faced with a life. Alwarpet Cricket Club (MM, Principal Dr. Boyd’s permission 24, College Road, Chennai 600 006 A PROMISE TO PROTECT THE MARSH

(Continued from Page 1) pollution of the surrounding at- c) Chloromethane was countability Desk (CAD) have December 15th, and registered mosphere. Community Envi- found 209 times higher than jointly protested against the their protest against these December. Usually, rainwater ronmental Monitoring (CEM), safe levels.” sanctioning of building permits multi-storeyed projects in the from lakes in Velachery, Madi- an NGO based in Besant “Of the 27 chemicals found, to three major development marsh area. The outcome of pakkam, Moovarasampettai, Nagar, recently made studies of 24 chemicals target the central projects in the area. the public hearing is yet to be Keelkatalai, Kovilambakkam, air samples in Pallikaranai. nervous system, 23 chemicals V. Srinivasan, Convenor, known. Pallavaram, Verangan Odai, Nityanand Jayaraman of CEM target the respiratory system, SPMF, says, “Only executive S. Kolathur, Venagaivasal, reports, “An air sample of burn- 22 chemicals target the summaries of a Rapid EIA have SPMF’s protests since 2003 Chembakkam, Navalur, Per- ing garbage was taken near the eyes, 21 chemicals target the been provided, and these sum- have resulted in the construc- ungudi, Perumbakkam and entrance to the Onyx dumping skin, 10 chemicals target the maries do not provide adequate tion of a state-of-the-art sewage Thandalam drains into the yard and analysed at a United liver, 8 chemicals target the kid- information regarding the en- treatment plant in Perungudi. marsh. This year, the inflow has States Environmental Protec- neys, 7 chemicals target the vironmental impacts arising For the past 15 years, untreated been more than usual. This has tion Agency-recognised labo- blood system, 5 chemicals tar- from these projects. As a result, sewage water (32 million litres slowed down the draining of ratory in California. The air get the cardiovascular system we are unable to assess the en- per day/MLD) was being let out floodwaters from the surround- sample was analysed for 69 and the reproductive system, vironmental costs of the by the Chennai Metropolitan ing residential areas to the sea volatile organic chemicals and and two chemicals target the projects or make an informed Water Supply and Sewage via the Buckingham Canal.” 20 sulphur compounds. 15 out gastrointestinal system and the decision on the suitability of the Board (CMWSSB) into the He adds, “The Pallikaranai of 27 chemicals exceed the peripheral nervous system,” projects in the local context. Pallikaranai Marsh. The Marsh acts as a buffer storage health-based standards set by adds Jayaraman. Large development projects Perungudi Sewage Treatment area between the sea and the the Region 6 or other regulatory The alarming results of the such as these three have the Plant now has the capacity to inflows from the lakes and rain- authorities. study indicate the need to im- potential to substantially dam- treat 54 MLD of sewage water. fall. In this context, it is essen- “Three out of 27 chemicals mediately stop garbage burning age the environment, particu- This plant receives sewage wa- tial that this marsh remains free are known to cause cancer in in the marsh. It is also necessary larly in areas such as ter from all of South Chennai. from all buildings or any other humans and/or animals: for Government to cancel sanc- Perungudi, Thoraipakkam, Official sources state that this type of encroachments.” a) Butadiene was found tion for any building activity Velachery, Siruseri and their plant is the first of its kind in Burning of garbage 24 hours 34,782 times higher than the and ensure the Pallikaranai suburbs.” Asia in terms of capacity, size, a day in the marsh by the safe levels; Marsh is free of all encroach- Around 50 members of and state-of-the-art equipment. Chennai Corporation, Onyx, b) Benzene was found 2360 ments. In this context, the Save SPMF and CEM attended the The plant has started to func- Alandur Municipality and times higher than safe levels; Pallikaranai Marshland Forum public hearing called by the tion partially from October other municipalities has led to and (SPMF) and Corporate Ac- Collector at Kanchipuram on 2005. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS January 1-15, 2006 January 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

l Several male musicians — and one woman and it observed a separate utsavam. This effort was not suc- cessful and by the next year the effort was given up. It was at this They nurtured an Aradhana juncture that Bangalore Her Lord was Tyagaraja Nagarathnammal (BNR) arrived on the scene. angalore Nagarathnammal fulfilling her mother’s vow, set BNR decided to publish it to B(BNR) was born on No- foot in Mysore for the first time prove that devadasis like now 100 years old BNR, on arrival in Tiru- vember 3, 1878, to Subha Row, at the invitation of the palace. Muddu Palani had been great vayyaru, initially won the support a vakil of Mysore, and Much to his discomfiture, Sanskrit scholars. The book, of the Periya Katchi which com- Puttulakshmi, a devadasi of the Giribhatta Thimmayya Sastry published by Vavilla Rama- prised several of her friends. same town. The parents sepa- had to attend the concert, swami Sastrulu and Sons in yagaraja passed away on Guru in his own village. The By 1908, the Aradhana had Through them she learnt that rated soon after BNR’s birth which culminated in BNR be- 1911, came in for a blistering leaving the mother and child in coming a palace artiste. attack for obscenity from TJanuary 6, 1847. Six days brindavanam was forgotten and become a popular festival in the the land on which the samadhi stood was owned by Raja dire straits. Giribhatta Thim- In 1903, BNR became a re- Kandukuri Veeresalingam, the prior to death, he had had a vi- was soon covered with wild area. However, by 1910, differ- mayya Sastry, a Sanskrit cording sensation as well, for reformist. The Commissioner sion of Rama seated on a hill, growth. In 1903, Tyagaraja’s dis- ences over the finances of the Ramannaji Soorvey and began scholar in the Mysore court be- following the footsteps of of Police, Cunningham, or- when the Lord informed him ciples, Umayalpuram Krishana festival cropped up between the negotiating its purchase. There came Puttulakshmi’s patron. Calcutta Gauhar Jan, she began dered copies of the book to be that his days on earth were near- and Sundara Bhagavatars, on two brothers leading to a split. were legal objections to the sale He taught the young BNR San- recording for the Gramophone seized, thereby making it an all ing an end. The composer then hearing of the pitiable condition Narasimha Bhagavatar, the of land allotted for public use, but skrit and, soon, her proficiency Company of India. time hit. The book was banned embraced sanyasa and repaired of the Guru’s samadhi, came to elder’s faction came to be called The statue of Saint Tyagaraja in BNR overcame this through an was such that the Giribhatta Bangalore Nagarathnammal. This made her known all by law and this was lifted only Tiruvayyaru. to the banks of the river Kaveri, Tiruvayyaru, identified the spot the ‘Periya Katchi’ or the elder’s exchange of land with the seller. became jealous and threw the over South India. In 1905, she, in 1947. where he instructed his disciples with difficulty and renovated it. faction. Panju Bhagavatar’s fac- The two Katchis watched all this mother and daughter out. BNR dance and six languages, at the invitation of her patron BNR meanwhile continued On January 17, 1914, the English, Tamil, Telugu, Kan- as to the manner of the burial of They also put a stone inscription tion was termed the ‘Chinna with misgivings. was nine. C.S. Rajarathna Mudaliar, her trailblazing career of suc- Chinna Katchi transformed itself Puttulakshmi, desperate but nada, Hindi and Sanskrit. The moved to Madras where she cess. Her childlessness, how- his mortal remains, even going to at the rear of the samadhi to mark Katchi’. Parallel festivals were into a registered body named the Moving quickly, BNR used not down and out, took an oath girl went on to learn from took up residence at 10, ever, cast a shadow on her life. the extent of advising them as to its renovation. observed for a few years, at least Tyagaraja Parabrahma Vaibhava her funds to have a granite statue that she would not set foot in Bidaram Krishnappa, the well- Srinivasa Iyer Street, George She decided to adopt a girl who, the quantity of salt to be put into Among Tyagaraja’s disciples, till the death of Narasimha Prakasa Sabha. Being an of Tyagaraja installed in front of Mysore till her daughter be- known vocalist of Mysore, and Town. Investing wisely and in 1921, was suspected to have, the pit. On the appointed day, he three schools, namely the Bhagavatar in 1911 or there- organised body now, it received the brindavanam. The Chinna came famous enough for the through him entered the direct well, she soon became very rich at the instance of her real par- attained samadhi. abouts. Katchi members did not like this. Maharajah to invite her him- lineage of Tyagaraja, for Krish- and the first woman artiste to ents, attempted to poison BNR. Wallajahpet, Tillaisthanam and The Saint’s samadhi c.1903 great support and began to col- nappa had learnt from Veena lect a lot of money, resulting in The debate has continued till self. Seeking a suitable music pay income tax. A keen ob- Fortunately, BNR avoided the Umayalpuram schools, became Narasimha Bhagavatar and his With his death, both groups teacher for her child, Puttu- Seshanna, who was a disciple of server of social trends, BNR poisoned glass of milk and dis- grand celebrations during the date, for the statue hides the famous. The Tillaisthanam brother Panju Bhagavatar were decided to observe the Aradhana lakshmi took the girl all the way Mysore Sadasiva Rao who in saw that ‘sadir’, or dance, was owned the girl. That very same l Aradhana. It also religiously pub- brindavanam from view. But by SRIRAM V. parampara came from Rama considered to be the de facto at Tiruvayyaru itself and on the to Kanchipuram to meet Dha- turn had learnt music from coming under a cloud and gave year, she received a portrait of lished statements of accounts nothing could be done as BNR Iyengar who was one of the earli- leaders of the celebrations and by same days. Tension ran high. But nakoti Ammal. But the old Wallajahpet Vekataramana it up. She became a performer Tyagaraja which she began to and gave them to all those who now owned the land. Bhagavatar. Puttulakshmi died est to compile a set of songs of virtue of being direct descen- on the day of the Aradhana, by a teacher was dying and recom- of Harikatha and Carnatic mu- worship and one night she had his Guru. Tillaisthanam Rama certain unwritten accord, the had contributed. The Periya mended that they proceed to when BNR was 14. sic instead. Her fame spread far a vision of the bard in her The spot selected by the com- dants of Tyagaraja’s musical lin- The foundation stone for Iyengar had the brothers Tillai- Chinna Katchi was allowed to do Katchi on the other hand de- Srirangam. Not having any In 1893, BNR was invited to and wide. Between 1905 and dream. It appeared to her that poser had belonged to a Maratha eage were given rights to perform building a temple above the sthanam Narasimha Bhagavatar the abhishekam to the samadhi pended largely on Malaikottai funds, the mother-daughter perform at Veena Seshanna’s 1934 she gave 1235 perfor- he had saved her from the poi- aristocrat distantly related to the the abhishekam to the samadhi on samadhi was laid by BNR on Oc- house and the concert was such and Panju Bhagavatar as his dis- first and then the Periya Katchi Govindasami Pillai for its finan- duo went to Bangalore where mances covering 116 towns. soning. It was at this time that ruling dynasty and was ear- Aradhana day. The musicians tober 27, 1921, and work soon a success that the palace heard ciples. The elder was a Harikatha would do the worship. cial well being and he too rose to they were sheltered by Puttu- BNR sponsored a book by she heard about the pathetic marked as a place where sadhus also laid down a couple of other began. The Aradhanas of the two lakshmi’s brother Venkata- about it and invited her to per- Muddu Palani, an 18th Century condition of the Tyagaraja exponent who lived in Kumbak- the occasion for some years. who came from various parts of rules. The first was that women Several musicians were Katchis continued in the inter- samappa. The well-known vio- form for the Maharajah Cha- concubine of the Maratha king Samadhi. She left for onam and the younger was a mu- India were to be buried in case would under no circumstance be greatly distressed by the rift and With the death of many of the vening years with one change. linist Muniswamappa was en- marajendra Wodeyar at Mysore of Tanjore, Pratapasimha. It Tiruvayyaru at once. sician who lived in Tillai- they passed away in Tiruvayyaru. allowed to perform at the the parallel celebrations. Chief leaders of the two Katchis, The Periya Katchi now began its gaged to teach music to Naga- when the princess Jaylaksh- was a highly erotic work called sthanam. In 1905, Narasimha mammani came of age. BNR, — S.V. Tyagaraja’s disciples put up a samadhi. The second was that among them was Harikesanallur Soolamangalam Vaidyanatha festival on the day of the rathnam. She was also taught Radhika Santwanamu. But Bhagavatar met several musi- small brindavanam, a structure nagaswara artistes were to be Muthiah Bhagavatar. He bro- Bhagavatar and Malaikottai Aradhana and continued the cians, while on a trip to Madras same for five days. The Chinna with space for planting tulsi on kept away from the samadhi. The kered a peace meeting between Govindasami Pillai emerged as ticipate in this festival and soon ducted his Harikatha with her by to the Tyagaraja Samadhi and the celebrations became united, at the Tondaimandalam High Katchi began its festival four days the top, to mark the site of his second group, which comprised the two rival groups and pro- the kingpins of the respective it became a great success, eclips- his side. That year’s Aradhana buried close by. A statue was worship did not. As a result, School on Mint Street. Bhaga- prior to the Aradhana and con- burial. Each year, thereafter, the several great artistes, expressed posed that they unite. However, factions by 1920. Both were high ing the other two festivals. BNR was a grand success. Women later put up in her honour on Tyagaraja has three abhishekams vatar suggested that since the cluded on Aradhana day. This saint’s anniversary was observed its unhappiness and to placate differences of opinion arose as to handed in their dealings and put in her own funds into the were allowed to perform. T.N. that spot and covered by a even now on the day of the musicians were all surviving way, the people of Tiruvayyaru on traditional lines, with no mu- them, a procession with Tyaga- who ought to have the rights to antagonised many. Yet such were events, finally selling her home in Rajarathinam Pillai led a protest mandapam. The statue faces the Aradhana. The first is by the largely due to the music of were assured of feasts for nine sical element, at the home of raja’s portrait in a floral worship at the samadhi and the their personalities that funds Madras for the purpose and relo- against the policy of not allowing Tyagaraja Samadhi. It is in front survivors of the erstwhile Chinna Tyagaraja, it was essential that days at a stretch and also of as Panchapakesiah, composer’s palanquin was organised on the two Katchis declined to unite. continued to pour in leading to cating permanently to Tiru- nagaswara artistes on stage and of this mandapam that musicians Katchi and the descendants of they expressed their gratitude by many days of music. grandson. night following the Aradhana Muthiah Bhagavatar took an bigger and grander celebrations. vayyaru in 1930. this condition was waived. The now perform during the Ara- Rajagopala Bhagavatar. They performing his Aradhana in a fit- oath to stay away from the But in 1923 a third front was In 1855, Panchapakesiah when nagaswaram artistes could The temple was completed in days of orthodoxy were gradually dhana. The Tyagaraja Samadhi have had to go to court time and ting manner at Tiruvayyaru each offer their homage. This arrange- Aradhana as long as there was no formed, namely the Sri Tyagaraja Pumping in more funds, by passed away and his wife, year. The gathering agreed and 1925 and the kumbhabhishekam 1938 BNR bought all the land vanishing. was later electrified by Kolar again to protect their rights. The ment was to continue till 1940. unity. Parabrahma Bhakta Gana Sabha was performed on January 7th. Guruvamma, shifted with the in 1906, a five-day music festival surrounding the samadhi and In 1941, group rendition of Rajammal, yet another devadasi second is by the Bangalore That year, when the Chinna idols that Tyagaraja had wor- was held at Tiruvayyaru to ac- named it Tyagarajashramam. the Pancharatnams was intro- from Karnataka. Nagarathnammal Trust. The last Katchi’s festival was into its third shipped to her maternal home in commodate everyone. The festi- Several local leaders began in- duced for the first time, prior to is by the Tyaga Brahma Mahot- day, BNR went up to the Police The Aradhana today has be- Thanjavur. The idols remain val began four days before the volving themselves in her cel- which Palladam Sanjeeva Rao sava Sabha during which the in Tiruvayyaru, warned that un- come an international event. But with that family till date. The dis- Aradhana day and culminated ebrations. The Periya Katchi be- rendered Cetulara in raga Pancharatnams are rendered. less the factions united in their all this was possible due to the ciples then stopped coming to on that day. It was agreed that gan seriously debating on a Bhairavi. This tradition has been This is what we see on TV year worship, there could be a law and dedication of several musicians Tiruvayyaru and each observed this would be the pattern in the merger. The sentiment was the maintained ever since and even after year. — (Courtesy: R.T. order problem in the town. Even- and one woman – Nagarath- the death anniversary of the years to follow. Tillaisthanam same in the Chinna Katchi. In now flautists render that song Chari and R.V. Gopalan, tually, the police conducted the nammal. However, even while 1939, S.Y. Krishnaswami, ICS, before the others begin the Trustees, Ramu Endowments.) worship. was posted as Special Officer, Pancharatnams. Cauvery Delta Region, and he OUR ADDRESSES If BNR had quarrelled with BNR made Tiruvayyaru her began campaigning for a unified READABILITY PLEASE the Chinna Katchi thus far, the home and spent her days in silent Aradhana. A meeting was con- For matters regarding subscriptions, donations, non-receipt of time had come for a break with communion with her Lord, Dear Readers, vened in Madras in the first week receipts etc.: Chennai Heritage, 260-A, TTK Road, Chennai 600 the Periya Katchi as well. In Tyagaraja. The locals revered her As letters from readers increase, we are receiving of January 1940. It was decided 018. 1927, BNR came to the musical as a saint. On January 3,1949, by all the Katchis that a new more and more handwritten letters, many of them in a homage observed by the Periya BNR made her will, bequeathing For non-receipt of copies, change of address, and all other Trust would be formed which hand so small and illegible or large and scrawled as to Katchi and prepared to sing. all her worldly possessions, in- circulation matters: MADRAS MUSINGS, C/o Lokavani Hall-Mark would conduct the Aradhana. be unreadable. Often this leads to our discarding a letter, However, the accompanists put cluding jewellery, towards the Press Pvt. Ltd., 122, Greames Road, Chennai 600 006. down their instruments on the The Tyaga Brahma Mahot- particularly if some part of it is unreadable. On editorial matters: The Editor, MADRAS MUSINGS, C/o upkeep of the samadhi. The grounds that women were not al- sava Sabha came into existence Vidya Sundari Bangalore If you wish us to consider your letter for publication, Lokavani Hall-Mark Press Pvt. Ltd., 122, Greames Road, lowed in the samadhi. An en- in January 1940 and conducted Nagarathnammal Trust became please type it with enough space between lines or write Chennai 600 006. raged BNR stormed out and de- the Aradhana that year. the owner of the samadhi and its it using a medium hand, clearly dotting the ‘i-s’ and No personal visits or telephone calls, please. Letters received will cided to hold her own festival. Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhaga- adjoining lands. In her will, BNR crossing the ‘t-s’. The Bangalore Nagarathnammal be sent from these addresses every couple of days to the persons vatar, on coming to know of the stipulated that none ‘should try Many readers also try to fill every square centimetre of Katchi came in as a powerful unification came to attend the concerned and you will get an answer from them to your queries and debar woman artistes and a postcard space, making reading or editing impossible. third front and began holding its Aradhana. BNR stunned every- singers including devadasis from reasonably quickly. Strange as it may seem, if you adopt the ‘snail Please help us to consider your letters more favourably festival behind the samadhi on one by climbing on to stage and performing’ at the samadhi. mail’ approach, we will be able to help you faster and disappoint the same days as the Periya sitting next to Soolamangalam by making them more legible for us. you less. Katchi. Women and young Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar. There BNR died on May 19, 1952. THE EDITOR THE EDITOR The Tyagaraja shrine in Tiruvayyaru. artistes were encouraged to par- was great applause when he con- Her body was taken in procession

CMYK 8 MADRAS MUSINGS January 1-15, 2006

52 years of l A two-part feature members from the MMSC and thrilled the spectators with their excellent performance. Zacky motor racing Dean from Colombo, who had competed in the prestigious Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race, (Current Affairs questions f Sholavaram and, to some ex lected for the Club’s first race for motorcycles (handicap), a was the main attraction and are from the period Decem- Itent, laying the race track at track. It comprised the south five-lap race for sports cars, a lived up to his billing with some st th ber 1 to 15 . Questions 11 Irungatukottai were the high and west wings of an L-shaped three-lap relay for motorcycle brilliant riding. The Junior to 20 pertain to Tamil Nadu points for the Madras Motor area. A tight left after the start teams, a four-lap handicap re- Open Championship event, and Chennai.) Sports Club in the past five de- and a fast right after two U- lay for cars, and a driving test. over 14 miles for motorcycles up cades, attracting corporate turns completed the two-mile John Dye, who clocked 72 1. Who are the new Davis Cup to 350 cc, saw a hard-fought sponsors and taking the sport to circuit. There were two chi- miles an hour on a Triumph race between Dean and Ma- champions? the grassroots are the formi- canes, one on each side of the Twin, was the fastest man of the 2. What distinction did the Ira- dras rider Hari Rao. Rao took a dable challenges it faces today. straights. Once, on a practice meet. good lead and maintained it for nian film Jazireh Ahani achieve in In 1952, while a 1948 MG - day, a car missed the right hand The first rally was organised India recently? six laps but towards the end TC (a racy-looking British turn and nearly ran into a in 1954 during the president- Dean’s experience showed and 3. The 50th Mahaparinirvan Divas sports car) was being cleared in crowd at a corner. It was imme- ship of the Rajkumar of Pitha- of which celebrity, who received he won by a narrow margin. Madras Harbour, discussions on diately decided to shift the pub- puram. It was a ‘time and dis- Raja Sinnathorai, another the Bharat Ratna, was observed on motor racing and rallying took lic stands further south and tance’ rally to Mahabalipuram th young motorcyclist from December 6 ? place between its owner and R. away from the run-off area. The and back, covering a distance 4. How did Frenchwoman Isabelle Ceylon and the youngest com- D’Souza. This is what led to the pits and paddocks were located of about 100 miles with dis- petitor in the meet, had to get Dinoire achieve medical history formation of a motor sports club, on the western side of the track closed check points. There recently? special permission to compete. the Madras Motor Sports Club, that had several potholes. This were 100 participants. B.I. It was his first attempt at racing. 5. Name the new leader of Britain’s that’s first finished celebrating track was used for all races for Chandok won in his Triumph Conservative Party. He, however, made a great im- 50 years of existence. some years thereafter. Mayflower with Captain pact on the spectators and won 6. What does the new Red Cross A year after that discussion, The Sholavaram land be- Patankar of the Merchant symbol look like? his event comfortably in spite two MG - TCs chased each longed to the Military Estate Navy as his navigator. This rally of starting 80 seconds later than 7. What happened to Indian Air- other from Chesney Hall to the Officer and the track to the In- was followed by several others lines on December 7th? the first rider. Two other riders parking lot of Catholic Centre. dian Air Force. Sometimes, – to the Poondi Reservoir, and who caught the public eye were 8. Which actress recently became The two drivers, an English- new Army tanks were tested on other places of interest. A few a Goodwill Ambassador for from Bangalore – K.S. Vijaya- man, Rex Strong, and an In- pai on his BSA who came first UNICEF India? dian, K. Varugis, felt that rac- 9. What two world cricketing feats, in the Senior Open category for ing would be more fun if l by A Special Correspondent motorcycles upto 500 cc (14 one in Tests and the other in ODIs, organised off the roads. Strong were set on December 10th? miles), beating V.K. Gupta and had been a member of the Dean, and P.S. Hariharan in his 10. Which European island is the Calcutta Motor Sports Club southern section of the track. years later, a longer rally, to new Miss World from? Jaguar XK-120. and the MG Club and he and Its surface soon got destroyed Pondicherry, was introduced. As the races in Sholavaram * * * Varugis began scouting for fel- and MMSC was forced to use Encouraged by the public were generally held in Decem- 11. Of which Chennai-headquar- low-motor racing enthusiasts. the east-west straight. To make response, and assured of spon- ber-January, the Ceylon team tered cyber major is Lakshmi One evening, sometime races interesting, the Club used sorship by Burmah Shell, Caltex found it difficult to make it be- Narayanan the President and later, a small gathering of mo- a portion of the northern run- and Castrol, the first Day-Night CEO? cause the ferry service was torists arranged a motor scaven- way. The track was now Rally was conducted in 1956. closed from November to the 12. What is the claim to fame of ger hunt – the objective was to shaped like a T. The stands The Madras-Bangalore-My- second week of January. So, the the Havilland Dove aircraft VT- get together and pass a formal were located on the southern sore-Ooty-Coimbatore- CTG called Hanuman? MMSC decided to shift what it resolution for the formation of side, giving spectators an excel- Dindigul-Trichy-Villupuram- called the annual All India 13. Who was the Chief Minister of the MMSC. M.A. Chidam- lent view. On the northern side Madras route covered a dis- Race Meet to the first Sunday Madras when India became a Re- baram, then chairman of Auto- were the time-keepers and lap- tance of about 800 miles. Forty- public? in February. Crowds of over mobile Association of Southern recorders – 50 each. The medi- two cars participated and the 30,000 would throng to watch 14. Gerhard K.J. Fischer, the India, felt that the AASI should cal centre and pits were located most prominent entry was Gen- man and machine fight for su- former German Consul, was greatly concentrate on motoring activ- on the northeastern side of the eral Thimmayya in his Mer- instrumental in setting up which premacy. The Sholavaram rac- ity and a separate organisation track and the approach was by cedes (Govind Swaminathan ing weekends (two consecutive prestigious place of learning in formed to help develop the sport a narrow road that led to the was his co-driver and ‘Nosy’ Chennai? Sundays) used to be the biggest of motor-racing. The MMSC Sholavaram dak bungalow. Muthanna the navigator). Af- racing show in India, with rac- 15. In possibly a first in these parts, was the offshoot. The AASI of- The southern runway had ter a few years of this rally, which mobile operator is offering ing drivers and riders coming fered all help in setting it up in enough space for a car park, which always started from from across the country; it even ‘mobisodes’ of which popular play- 1953. police outpost and ticket booths. Union Company, Mount Road, wright for downloads? became part of the interna- It was registered under the The track was at times used the route was changed by new tional racing calendar. The 16. How many new judges were Societies Act in 1954. The first to store wheat when no space teams. One experiment was to recently appointed together to the Sholavaram success story office-bearers of the Club were was available in government begin from Madras, Bangalore helped the sport grow in stature Madras High Court to meet the G.M. Donner at the helm, K.V. godowns. The wheat was and Coimbatore simulta- considerable shortfall that there from year to year, with drivers Srinivasan, Varugis, the Raj- stacked right in the middle of neously with a free run to had been for some time? from Sri Lanka, Britain and Eu- kumar of Pithapuram, Raja the T-track. The track was so Trichy; the rally would finish rope regulars. 17. Where in Tamil Nadu is BMW D.V. Appa Rao, J.H. Dye, P. wide that there were many in Bangalore or Madras. setting up its car assembly plant Meanwhile, while the IAF Mathen, K.A. Silick and crashes at the U-turns. The Good timing equipment was with an investment of $180 mil- was happy to lease the track to lion in five years? Strong. In all, there were about problem was discussed with the not available in those days. The the MMSC, the Military Estate 40 founding members. Five Royal Automobile Club, Lon- Railway-Lever pocket watches 18. Who was the captain of the Officer was not. The track was early members of the MMSC, Indian team when Narendra don, and the MMSC was ad- were the only timing devices also in a state of disrepair and Hirwani scalped a world-record 16 the ‘Panch Pandavas’, who vised that the track width available and the marshals had the villagers were encroaching Test wickets on debut at played an active role, were should not be more than 35 ft. to listen to All India Radio time on the land and breaking up Chepauk? Gopal Madhavan, Indu Chan- The first regular motor sports pips to set their watches. The the runway. There were no 19. What is the name of the rare dok, Jayendra Patel, Anil event on this track was held in marshals would also ring up the funds even for a watchman. type of conch found in our State, Bhatia and C. Prabhakar. In August-September 1953. There rally headquarters an hour be- The Club had no choice but to whose opening swirls in the oppo- 1955, the first race committee were only two classes of cars – fore the expected time of arrival consider making alternate ar- site direction to that of the com- was formed, with Chidam- six MG - TCs and other stock of the first vehicle and set their rangements. mon conch? baram as the first chairman. cars. The events included watches accordingly. It was A decision was taken to buy 20. One on the small screen. Who The other members of the com- ‘standing starts’, ‘flying starts’ only later that the Club got 300 acres of land and a ‘search reprised the role of Sindhu in the mittee were Govind Swami- over a distance of a mile, and Omega Seamasters and com- committee’ finally zeroed in on TV serial to K. Balachander’s ac- nathan, B.I. Chandok, F.V. some parking tests. Donner, in plaints regarding the timing the present site at Irungattu- claimed Sindhu Bhairavi which had Arul (then IG of Police) and A. his Mark 7 Jaguar, averaged 84 were reduced. kottai, Sriperumbudur, 40 km seen Suhasini getting the National Sivasailam. miles an hour over the mea- from Chennai. The Club de- award for playing Sindhu? An abandoned World War sured mile. The first race meet- In February 1957, competi- cided to form a Trust to hold its II air strip in Sholavaram about ing was held on October 25, tors from Bangalore and Ceylon (Answers on page 9) 30 km from Madras, was se- 1953. There was a five-lap race raced for the first time with (Continued on Page 10 ) January 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 9

photos of 4’x5½’ size each (see The Mylapore Festival... below). Classical dance concerts January 5-8: The annual Sundaram Thomé areas. 7th only for on all four evenings. Subscriptions and contributions Finance-Mylapore Festival will children, 8th open to all. Starts TAMIL BOOKS SALE: Alongside l As readers are already aware — and hundreds have responded keep its date with Mylapore, with at 7 a.m. at Luz Church. (Fees the temple tank (eastern side), positively — we have no other alternative but to price Madras more than ten different events at Rs.50). some 3000 titles from 12 compa- Musings. From April 16th (Volume XIV, No.1), Madras Musings has ten different venues in the heri- PARK KUTCHERIES and nies will be on sale. been priced at Rs.5 a copy, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Rs.100/-. Please tage zone around the Sri PHOTO EXHIBITION: FRINGE EVENTS: The ‘Namma make out your cheque only to ‘Chennai Heritage’ and send it, together Kapaleeswarar Temple. The high- Carnatic music concerts will be Mylapore’ group, a NGO which with the COUPON BELOW, to CHENNAI HERITAGE, 260-A, TTK lights will be: held in the Nageswara Rao Park works on local issues, hopes to ROAD, CHENNAI 600 018 or C/O LOKAVANI-HALL MARK PRESS MAIN STAGE SHOWS in the every morning, 6 a.m. onwards. have a special event on the banks PVT. LTD., 122, GREAMES ROAD, CHENNAI 600 006. Rasi showroom quadrangle: Also in the park will be a photo- of the temple tank which is 3/4ths An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of just Rs.100 covers only a part of 5th and 6th after 7 pm: Folk perfor- graphic exhibition brought to you full with water! An art contest our costs. Corporate support and YOUR support will continue to be mances. Some 20 artistes will per- by the Alliance Francaise titled and a talk on temple tanks and essential for Chennai Heritage and Madras Musings to play a greater form; 5th evening: 40 violinists of Indian Wisdom, featuring a dozen water harvesting are planned. role in creating awareness about the city, its heritage and its environ- the CARVA Academy will per- ment. We therefore look forward to your sending us your contribu- form; 6th evening: Giant puppets For details contact 2499 4599 / tions IN ADDITION TO your subscriptions. drama by Seethalakshmi; 7th 2499 3767 / Log on to evening: A 90-minutes Hindu www.mylaporefestival.com If in the coming year Chennai Heritage receives repeated support mythological drama; 8th evening: from those of you who have already made contributions, and if many Tamil street theatre by Chennai more supporters join the bandwagon, we will not only be able to keep Kalai Kuzhu; 8th: A two-hour- ... & other events Madras Musings going, but also be able to continue awareness-build- long concert of vintage Tamil film Till January 1: Exhibition of I.E. atre showcasing traditional the- ing exercises on on-going projects as well as undertake one or two songs – the hits of T.M. Raja works. (At Apparao Galler- atre by Purusai Kannappa more such exercises. Soundararajan; 7th and 8th eve- ies). Thambiran, Theru-k-koothu Therefore, please keep your contributions coming IN ADDITION nings: Stilt dancers. January 5-14: Indian Wisdom, a pho- Mandram and Margi Kathakali TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS. If, say, you send in a cheque for Rs.500, ARTS STREET: The Fine Arts tographic exhibition by Olivier Group; Tamil folk music by we will treat Rs.100 of it towards subscription to Madras Musings for students of Stella Maris College Follmi. Gunasekaran and Funky Bodhi; 2004-5 and the remaining Rs.400 as contribution towards the causes will ‘take over’ Pitchupillai Street In the context of the Thanjavur Drums; contemporary Chennai Heritage espouses. Mylapore Festival, take a walk in dance film by V. Viswanadhan (next to the Bharatiya Vidya We look forward to all readers of Madras Musings, and those Bhavan) and convert it into an the park and discover an exhibi- showcasing Padmini Chettur’s newcomers who want to receive copies, sending in their subscrip- Arts Street. They will create tion of 57 large photos, which choreography; popular theatre by colourful pots and bookmarks and focus on India’s living heritage. Chennai Kalai Kuzhu; Koothu-p- tions. We are indeed sorry we can no longer remain a free mailer. paint on canvas, demonstrate the Olivier Follmi travelled for sev- pattarai’s new production; con- — The Editor tie-and-dye print methods... and eral months in Indian villages to temporary theatre by Maya Rao; lots more. experience the true Indian spirit Adishakti Theatre Company, etc. FOOD STREET: Caterer ‘Subham’ and captured so many images (At Alliance Francaise, Chetti- CHENNAI HERITAGE Ganesan will offer the best tradi- that evoke the depth and rich- nad Vidyashram, and Sivagami tional dishes on Sundareswar ness of India’s culture. (At Pettachi Auditorium.) 260-A T.T.K. ROAD, ALWARPET, CHENNAI 600 018. Street. Kerala food will be the Nageswara Rao Park.) January 10-17: Japanese Handcrafted special menu. Form. (At Lalit Kala Akademi). I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / CRAFTS CORNER: A 12-woman January 11: Buzz @ the Courtyard: I have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it self-help group from suburban Spoken Word by Zena Edwards hereafter. Chennai promoted by the Tamil from the UK. (At the British l I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 (Rupees Nadu Government will sell crafts Council, 7 p.m.) One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as and utility items on Sundareswar January 16-28: Kite and Klik, an ex- subscription to Madras Musings for the year 2005-06. Street. hibition of aerial photographs by l As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment and a TALKS, QUIZ, CREATIVE DIS- Nicolas Chorier. His kite aerial better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai Heritage an PLAYS at the Lady Sivaswamy An Olivier Follmi photograph. photography is simple, non-intru- Girls School Hall; 7th, 6.30 pm: additional Rs ...... (Rupees January 6 and 7: Inhabit by Preethi sive, precise, cost-effective and ...... ) V. Sriram on ‘The History of The Athreya, a 45-minute dance per- environment-friendly. The kite is Music Academy 1927-1962’; 8th, formance, with three solos built made up of a single nylon flat sur- Please keep/put me on your mailing list. 6.30 pm: Randor Guy will present face, hexagonal or triangular in around the idea of the body as Name : ...... an illustrated talk on ‘The Legal enigma. shape, stretched over a light ar- Eagles of Mylapore’; 8th, 1.30 pm: Trained in Bharata Natyam by mature of glass fibre and used as Address: ...... the Tamil Nadu Quiz, open to the Dhananjayans, Preethi has a “hook” in the sky. The camera ...... teams of two (finals at 3 pm); and is mounted on a small cradle and been working with choreographer Note: Overseas postage Rs. 550/year extra. Cheques for overseas post- Artist Surendranath and his Padmini Chettur. (Alliance is attached to the string, approxi- Sumukhi Foundation will co-or- Francaise, 7.30 p.m.) mately 30 metres below the kite. age alone payable to M/s. Lokavani Hall-Mark Press Pvt. Ltd.. All other dinate with twelve families who January 6-16: Chennai Book Fair. Radio-remoted, this camera can cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. created some great kolus last (At Quaid-e-Milleth Govt. Col- be aimed in all directions and a Navaratri, to repeat the artistic lege for Women). mini video camera helps in the models for an exhibition (eve- January 7 and 8 : Annual Dog Show. framing of the image. (At the nings). (At the University Union Alliance Francaise.) Senate House Conservation Fund KOLAM CONTESTS: 7th and Grounds.) 8th from 3.30 pm onwards on January 7-21: The Mela Pictures: An North Mada Street. And a Kolam exhibition of the work of Allan Answers to Quiz l The Senate House Restoration and Management Trust appeals to Contest for schoolchildren. On Parker.(At Forum Art Gallery). 1. Croatia; 2. It won the ‘Golden all alumni of the University of Madras and heritage lovers every- both days: open to just 50. January 9-25: The Magic Lantern Peacock’ at the International Film where to contribute to the Senate House Conservation Fund which HERITAGE TOURS: Two Heri- Pongal Festival 2006: Festival of India; 3. B.R. Ambedkar; the Trust is managing for the purpose of restoring Senate House to tage Tours in cyclerickshaws, A fortnight of contemporary 4. She became the first human to its old glory by December 2005 and maintaining it thereafter in the through the Mylapore-San work in dance, music, and the- receive a facial transplant; 5. David same condition. Cheques should be made out to the Senate House Cameron; 6. A hollowed-out red Conservation Account and sent to the Registrar, University of Ma- crystal on a white background; 7. It dras, Chennai 600 005. Contributions are eligible for benefits under Mahabharata wins decided to become ‘Indian’ and also Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act. sport a new sun logo on its tail fin; 8. Sharmila Tagore; 9. Sachin Dear Registrar, Spanish Award Tendulkar became the highest cen- I am pleased to enclose a cheque for Rs...... he Mahabharata: A Child’s View, published by Tara of tury-getter in Tests and New as my contribution to the restoration and maintenance of TChennai and in Spanish by Ediciones Siruela, has been se- Zealand overhauled Australia’s 331 Senate House. Kindly acknowledge receipt. lected as one of the best children’s books of 2004 by the Spanish successfully to set the mark for the Ministry of Culture. This marks The Mahabharata’s third award. highest run-chase; 10. Iceland. Name: ...... In November 2000 it was chosen as Book of the Month by the * * * German Society of Youth Literature and Media, and in 2004 it 11. Cognizant Technology Solu- Address: ...... was selected by a jury of schoolchildren to receive the Elsa tions; 12. It was the Madras ...... Morante Award in Italy. Government’s first aircraft in 1948; Written and illustrated by the then eleven-year-old Samhita 13. P.S. Kumaraswamy Raja; 14. IIT, ...... Arni, Samhita’s version of the ancient Indian epic is infused with Madras; 15. Hutch is offering the ...... her own contemporary perspective that is at once child-like and works of ‘Crazy’ Mohan; 16. Seven- profound. Nine years after its first printing, readers worldwide teen; 17. Mahindra City near I am an alumnus/alumna/heritage lover and wish the project all remain enchanted by Samhita’s Mahabharata which has sold Maraimalainagar; 18. Ravi Shastri; success. My college was ...... rights in seven languages – English, German, Italian, French, 19. Valampuri; 20. Anuradha Portuguese, Spanish and Catalan – and continues to garner in- Suresh Krishnamurthy, daughter of Date: ...... Signature: ...... ternational recognition. the late ‘Sangita Kalanidhi’ K.V. Narayanaswamy. 10 MADRAS MUSINGS January 1-15, 2006

Rs.1,50,000.” But why then has area traffic control and possibly not there been much effect? a Control Centre. Traffic Plan- Traffic improvements Says Mahali, “Enforcement is ners in Chennai could also en- only one aspect. The most im- sure that every major new road (Continued from Page 1) “The volume of city traffic is a portant solution is to change the that is being planned must in- tions include dynamic traffic direct impact of liberalisation people’s attitude to Traffic corporate (or make provisions ahead? and globalisation. The truth is control systems that respond to Management. There is a need for) appropriate ITS elements.” changing traffic conditions that the pace of the city’s de- to have concern about fellow On the hurdles of imple- across different jurisdictions Systems Development, says, velopment and increase of traf- citizens, and understand that mentation of ATMS amidst an and types of roads by routing “ITS itself is a very vast area that fic have simply overtaken the everyone wants to reach his indisciplined road-user group, drivers around delays wherever offers many traffic management pace of our planning! The car- destination. Road users must Dr. Anantha Rajan feels, possible. And rapid detection solutions. Electronic Road Pric- rying capacity of most roads has change their mindsets for their “There will definitely be initial and response to traffic incidents ing is one application that can be far exceeded (22 lakh vehicles own sakes.” resistance, but this can be sur- will reduce congestion on utilised, say, in an area like highly in the city, with 18 lakh two- What does the efficient mounted with education and expressways. congested Pondy Bazaar. In this wheelers, and 600 vehicles be- functioning of the ATMS itself the promise of a better future ITS implementation in In- system, approaching roads could ing added each day). Currently entail amid the current traffic for all road-users. There has to dia is in its infancy; however, be provided with an overhead the planning process is going on chaos? Says Dr. Sivanandan, be an end to lane indiscipline at there is tremendous potential camera and every vehicle has a apace. Area Traffic Control “Definitely, some orderliness in some point. Educate through for adopting/adapting, benefi- prepaid magnetic card that is (ATC) applications that in- traffic flow is necessary. Syn- the media repeatedly in a trans- cially, certain of its components. charged every time it enters the volve a cost of Rs.5-10 crore are chronisation of signals, for in- parent way, showing the public And ATMS has much rel- area. The principle here is that being tested in the city with the stance, will be more effective if the benefits of the change – evance and applicability to traf- each vehicle that contributes to help of experts. We’ll proceed traffic platoons move at a uni- what to do, the effects of disci- fic control and management in the congestion pays for it. This with implementation after the form speed for which the pro- plined road use, how travel urban areas. Says Dr. R. amount can thereafter be results are out in 3-4 months. gression is designed.” Which times reduce, how accident Sivanandan, Transportation utilised for traffic management The VMS application is already simply means the beginning of rates come down etc. Organise Engineering Division, Depart- itself. For instance, a traffic jam a part of our plans, and will take another vicious cycle, if road meetings with diverse stake- ment of Civil Engineering, IIT, at Anna Salai can be indicated about six months to a year to users are not coordinated in the holders in traffic management, Madras, “The various elements to road users at Teynampet itself implement. right way by Traffic Managers. automobile manufacturers, for of ITS that have already been so that they can take a diversion. “I’m very optimistic that, “The following elements can be instance, on effective participa- implemented in India include For a fast developing metro like within a year, the situation will considered for Chennai imme- tion to make roads safe and use of (a) CCTVs, (b) vehicle Chennai, the positive outcomes improve very significantly. diately: CCTVs (cameras are driving pleasant. And then en- detection and classifier, (c) ad- of implementation of ATMS We’re also increasing the stress already being used by City force very strictly the rules laid vanced toll collection systems, (that will cost only around a few on enforcement of traffic rules. Traffic Police at some intersec- down. Educating the public to (d) Variable Message Signs, (e) crore rupees) is definitely well On an average, the Traffic Po- tions), advanced vehicle de- be effective in participation is use of Global Positioning Sys- worth the price.” lice Department books around tection and classifiers, and the key. Only then can there tems (GPS) for monitoring ve- K. C. Mahali, Joint Commis- 2000 cases every day and col- Variable Message Signs. Fur- be change.” hicle fleet, etc. The Jaipur- sioner of Police (Traffic), says, lects a fine amount of about ther steps can include corridor/ Shobha Menon Kishangarh Toll road includes most of these elements.” “Some elements of ATMS that will be useful in Chennai 52 YEARS OF MOTOR RACING are synchronisation of a series (Continued from Page 8) The proceeds were used to clear and 11 m wide, was approved MRF and McDowell added of signals along a road corridor, the loan. by FISA and FIM. more thrill to racing. In 1994, and area/corridor traffic control properties; the trust deed was With McDowell and MRF The first meet at Irungattu- JK Tyres entered the racing systems that would help reduce drafted and the Club’s land was leading the way with Rs. 50 kottai was the 33rd All India arena and the fierce competi- delays and improve speeds. In given to the Trust on a 99-year lakh and Rs. 40 lakh respec- Motor Race meet in 1990. tion between JK and MRF en- addition, advanced traveller in- lease. Since it was agricultural tively, work on the new track When McDowell’s stepped into sured one of the best eras in In- formation systems, such as Vari- land, the Club had to seek the began. The foundation stone motor racing in a big way, Vijay dian racing. Unfortunately, able Message Signs (VMS), can permission of 100-odd farmers. was laid by Jackie Stewart. Mallya, a keen racer, was the Sriperumbudur never attracted be advantageously employed to The Indian Bank sanctioned a Gherzi Eastern were the archi- first to race a Formula-1 car at the kind of crowds that inform travellers of incidents loan of Rs. 10 lakh to get the tectural consultants and ECC, Sholavaram in the Open Class. Sholavaram did. One reason ahead, alternate routes, etc.” work started. When Suresh a unit of. Larsen & Toubro, the The annual racing event be- was that Sholavaram had a T- Dr. Ananatha Rajan, a Patel and Gopal Madhavan builders. Madhavan supervised came the McDowell Grand shaped track which afforded former Professor at Anna Uni- started laying out the new the design and construction Prix. Mallya not only spent spectators a view of the entire versity and an expert on Urban track, they realised that 200 and ensured that they con- money on running the event circuit. acres was enough and so, 100 formed to international stan- but also chipped in with a team Sport on Page 8 acres were sold to the members. dards. The track, 3.7 km long of five cars. The rivalry between (To be concluded)

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Published by S. Muthiah for ‘Chennai Heritage’, 260-A, TTK Road, Chennai 600 018 and printed byby TT JJ GeorgeGeorge atat Lokavani-HallLokavani-Hallmark Mark PressPress Pvt.Pvt. Ltd.,Ltd., 122,122, GreamsGreams Road,Road, ChennaiChennai 600600 006.006. EditedEdited byby S.S. MUTHIAH.