Chennai’s commons belong to those who live, work and depend on them: Porombokkiyal 2026

Chennai’s commons belong to those who live, work, and depend on them, speakers at Porombokkiyal 2026 held in Mylapore said on Saturday.

Now in its fourth edition, the event seeks to reclaim poromboke (shared communal land) from its derogatory stigma, integrating the commons into discussions on urban spaces, music, and the internet.

In the opening session — The Many Lives of the Road — a fish vendor from Nochikuppam Mullai said the Loop Road had already disrupted accessibility and livelihoods, subsuming 10 villages and leaving children to play on the streets.

Highlighting systemic exclusion, disability rights activist Aiswarya Rao noted how narrow footpaths and debris made parks inaccessible for wheelchair users. Autorickshaw driver Mohana spoke of the lack of women-only autorickshaw stands and public restrooms.