A Chennai-based engineer has developed a non-profit web application called “News of Chennai” that serves as a one-stop solution for various resources and actionable issues in the city. Shyam Sundar, an automobile engineer, originally started providing Covid updates on social media in March 2020. During the second wave, he launched a dedicated portal for Covid information and later expanded it to include helpline numbers and weather updates during floods.

Shyam’s web application not only provides resources, helplines, and Covid and election related information, but also includes details such as pollution levels and weather updates. He was inspired to create this application by his desire to help those in need and the difficulties people face during emergencies when searching for contact numbers. He also wanted to provide a single platform for people to find all relevant information about Chennai.

Shyam, who has always been interested in collecting news and information, turned his skills into a way to help the people of Chennai. He continuously updates the application by collecting relevant information from four English newspapers and adding links to relevant news stories about the city. The application can be accessed through a web link which can be saved on mobile or desktop devices.

The web application has no advertisements and Shyam does not profit from it. Currently, around 25,000 people in Chennai are using the application and following updates on social media. Shyam plans to continuously update the application and remove election-related details once the council elections are over. He ensures that the application is updated daily and displays the last updated status.

Overall, Shyam’s web application, “News of Chennai,” provides a comprehensive solution for various resources, helplines, and information in the city without any profit motive.