1. Introduction

Under the Accelerating Adoption of Renewable Energy by Improving Stakeholder Participation in Tamil Nadu project, CAG held half-day Solar PV Awareness and Career Orientation Workshops at government and private ITIs and polytechnic colleges. Final-year students of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electrician, and Mechanical Auto Electrical & Electronics took part in these workshops. 

As part of the Accelerating Adoption of Renewable Energy by Improving Stakeholder Participation in Tamil Nadu, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organised Solar Melas across four districts. The initiative aimed to create awareness among electricity consumers about the benefits, installation process, financial assistance and available opportunities under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The Solar Melas were conducted across four districts using a common implementation approach.

Climate Action Month 2026 was an incredible success, reaching over 6,000 individuals, including students and the general public. Throughout July, a series of engaging events took place across schools, colleges, public parks, and other venues. These events creatively conveyed the urgent message of climate change through a variety of artistic expressions, such as music performances, mime acts, and other art forms. The month served as a powerful platform for raising awareness and inspiring action on climate issues.

Date: 11 August 2026

Venue: Hotel Hablis, Guindy, Chennai

Consumer electrical safety in Tamil Nadu remains a significant public safety challenge, with defective consumer-side installations accounting for the overwhelming majority of electrical deaths in the state.

As part of its efforts to strengthen green skills among young people, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organised a Solar Orientation and Career Awareness Programme at Thakkar Baba Industrial Training Institute (ITI), T. Nagar, Chennai, on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The programme aimed to give students a basic understanding of rooftop solar technology, make them aware of job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, and encourage them to prepare for careers in one of India's fastest-growing industries.

This report highlights CAG’s E-STEAM Energy Club Programme, which engaged Classes 6–8 students in hands-on energy learning across two Chennai schools. Through experiments, energy audits, model-building and renewable energy activities, students explored energy use, efficiency, conservation and e-waste. The programme strengthened practical skills, creativity and teamwork while encouraging students to become informed and responsible energy users.

This report examines how air pollution affects outdoor workers across Chennai, focusing on exposure, health sensitivity, socio-economic vulnerability and adaptive capacity. It finds that semi-formal workers are the most vulnerable, while informal workers face significant structural challenges despite stronger coping capacity. The report highlights the need for worker-centred health protection, social support and inclusive urban planning to address air pollution risks.