Chennai, a city that breathes history and progress in equal measure, has seen remarkable changes over the decades. From the serene, tree-lined roads of the past to the bustling metropolis of today, every corner of the city has a story to tell. To understand these transformations better, I sat down with my grandfather, who was born in 1950, to compare his Chennai with mine.
The Chennai of His Youth:
My grandfather leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. “Back in my day,” he began, “Chennai was called Madras. The air was cleaner, the beaches were pristine, and we had fewer vehicles on the roads. Most people used cycles or walked, and only a few lucky ones had cars.”
He painted a picture of a city that was calm and green. “Marina Beach was a paradise. The water was clear, and the sand was golden. There were no plastic wrappers or waste floating around. The Cooum River, which is now infamous for its pollution, had fresh water and even small fish swimming in it.”
The Price of Progress:
Development has its benefits, no doubt. Chennai has transformed into a major IT and automobile hub, offering better infrastructure and employment opportunities. Public transport has improved, with the Metro making commuting easier. But at what cost?
My grandfather sighed. “We have gained a lot, but we have also lost much. The monsoons were predictable in my time, but now, flooding has become a common occurrence. The trees that once cooled our streets are disappearing.”
A Hope for the Future:
Despite these changes, there is hope. Initiatives like afforestation projects, stricter waste management, and awareness campaigns about pollution are helping to restore Chennai’s beauty. Efforts to clean Marina Beach and rejuvenate the Cooum River are ongoing.
As I listened to my grandfather’s stories, I realized that while we can’t turn back time, we can shape the future. If we all take small steps—reducing plastic use, planting trees, and being mindful of our environment—Chennai can once again find its balance between progress and nature.
The city has changed, but the love for it remains the same. And maybe, just maybe, the Chennai of tomorrow can be a place where both my grandfather’s memories and my hopes for the future can coexist.