Model initiatives from residents’ associations in Chennai over the years

As The Hindu Downtown celebrates 25 years, here is a quick run of initiatives by residents’ associations in the five splits of the supplement - Mylapore, T.Nagar, IT Corridor, Anna Nagar and Tambaram. From best practices in rain water harvesting, waste management, greening the locality to working closely with Chennai Corporation and other government agencies, there are many things to learn from

A sustainability spread

When sustained, any sterling initiative gains greater surface area, having a pervasive influence across areas around its zone of primary focus. The walls at Thiruveedhi Amman Kovil Street in Mandaveli were beautified. Pots with plants lined the street. The street went bin-less. Following this effort by Thiruveedhi Amman Kovil Street Residents’ Association, the streets around Thiruveedhi Amman Kovil Street began to mirror it. In what is known as a uniform design initiative, implemented with the support of Karam Korpom Foundation, these streets identified with RK Nagarra (acronym for RK Nagar Residents Association) resemble each other not just in appearance but also spirit, having embraced TAKSRA’s sustainability ethic.

Amplifying civic issues

A civic issue receives the amplification it deserves when various voices come together in a uniform tone strident with a shared purpose. Since its inception in 2015, Mylapore Residents Welfare Association (MRWA) has been an instrument of amplification. From a humble following in the early years, MRWA now boasts a “membership” of well over one hundred independent residents’ welfare associations. A registered entity with legal leverage, MRWA is a well-recognised voice in the region with notable achievements to its name. Its instrumentality in the transformation of Kalvi Varu Street in Mylapore from a grotty patch to a space with character and aesthetics is known beyond Mylapore. As a pressure group, it got the Greater Chennai Corporation to work with a private architectural entity and design the street into a hangout space. The effort required engagement with PWD as the street runs along Buckingham Canal.

A spectacular comeback

Everyone loves a spectacular comeback, not just in sports. Entities engaged with civic development applauded the powerful return of Raja Annamalaipuram Residents Association (RAPRA) in 2012, its operational structure and mission renewed. With a quarterly magazine for residents, RAPRA presented residents with discussions that reinforced their common identity and shared civic goals. In these parts, the Association became a pioneer of sorts when it assigned streets as “portfolios” to resident-volunteers. A representative was appointed for each street to keep tabs on issues plaguing it and report them to the central group. RAPRA’s quarterly meetings had spice to them: a special speaker, a professional in an area, would be invited to help residents gain insights into how to tackle a particular issue, one affecting all of them. RAPRA started an open house where representatives of civic agencies would be invited for residents to interact with them.

Age is just a number