Archive · 25 May 2025
Chennai's Transformation: From Lakes to Urban Spaces
Imagine Chennai long ago, before it became the busy city it is today!
Back in the 1960s and 70s, there were many lakes and canals, and the city was more spread out.
Places like Spurtank used to be a lake, but now they are urban spaces.
There were also single-lane roads and lots of plants.
People used to go to the movies at places like Veecumsee, and you could take a boat down the Buckingham Canal to see goods transported.
Slowly, these features changed as the city developed.
The article describes how Chennai has transformed over the years.
Chennai's landscape has significantly changed since the 1960s, with water bodies giving way to urban spaces.
The Nungambakkam tank was replaced by residential areas, and Spurtank became urban space in the 1970s.
Multi-theatre complexes like Veecumsee offered entertainment, with Safire, Emerald, and Blue Diamond screening films.
Rajiv Gandhi Salai was once a single-lane road, and areas like Pallikaranai and Thazambur were lined with screw pine flowers.
The Buckingham Canal, used for transporting goods, had lock-gates that have since vanished.
- Who
- An individual recounts their experiences in Chennai.
- What
- Changes in Chennai's landscape and lifestyle, including the disappearance of water bodies and the rise of urban spaces.
- When
- From the 1960s to the early 1970s.
- Where
- Chennai, India.
- Why
- To illustrate the transformation of Chennai over several decades.
- Location of college
- Kancheepuram
- College Name
- Kancheepuram Bhaktavatsalam Polytechnic College
- Flyover
- Gemini Flyover
- Theater Complex
- Veecumsee
- Road Name
- Rajiv Gandhi Salai