Media Coverage

Chennai's water bodies are plagued by waste dumping, with plastic and garbage polluting canals and lakes. Vamsi Shankar Kapilavai, Senior Researcher at CAG, says that shutting down SUP manufacturing units will be the first step to  tackling this issue. #Chennai #WasteManagement #PlasticPollution

Saroja, Executive Director of CAG, discusses the role of an empowered consumer who understands grievance redressal mechanisms to keep companies and corporates accountable. E-com consumers especially need to be careful and only choose vendors of repute to buy from.

Chennai's pollution problems are intensifying, with aged MTC buses contributing to the city's rising NO2 levels. Divya Senthil, Senior Researcher, CAG, emphasizes the role of public transport in striking a balance between public demand and environmental protection. MTC's plan to contract 1100 electric buses, if realised, can help reduce emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. 

A study by Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) reveals alarmingly low helmet compliance among children and adults in Tamil Nadu, with only 1 in 4 adult motorists wearing helmets. The report highlights the need for stricter enforcement and better helmet accessibility to reduce road fatalities.

A CAG study found that only 7% of Chennai commuters use the Chennai Bus app regularly, highlighting issues like inaccurate information and poor connectivity. To improve urban mobility, the app needs a redesign, accurate updates, and expanded functionalities to cater to a broader user base.

The MTC is set to upgrade its Chennai Bus app to improve real-time bus tracking and add features like e-ticketing. CAG recently published a report on the Chennai Bus App which highlighted issues like slow load times and GPS errors. The upgrade will include better GPS accuracy, real-time updates, and digital display boards at key bus stops.

CAG's Environmental Law Enforcement Manual to Facilitate Investigation of Environmental Crimes was released on the 27th December 2024. The manual highlights the importance of viewing environmental violations as serious criminal acts, with the manual having the potential to strengthen law enforcement, prosecute environmental crimes and enhance collaboration.

On National Consumer Day 2024, CAG, in association with TRAI and in collaboration with SINAM NGO, Tiruvannamalai, organized a 'Consumer Awareness Programme on Telecom Services' for the residents of Vanapuram panchayat in Tiruvannamalai district. The event witnessed the participation of over 100 consumers and representatives from telecom service providers. 
 

CAG conducted an event in Chennai to address the growing issue of speeding, which contributes to the state’s high road fatalities.

Experts call for data-driven strategies and stronger enforcement among other speed management initiatives to improve road safety. #RoadSafety #SpeedManagement

Residents of North Chennai are raising alarms over the new Waste-to-Energy plant at Kodungaiyur, fearing health risks from emissions and poor waste processing. A 2019 study by CAG shows alarming health issues nearby, urging a re-evaluation of the project. #Chennai #WasteToEnergy #Pollution #CAG #Kodungaiyur  

Divya Senthil, Senior Researcher at CAG explains why making public transport an appealing alternative to private vehicles is the way forward, if we are to address the city's parking difficulties. With two wheelers comprising 52% of vehicles in the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area it's time for strong policies to address the scourge of congestion on our roads.

Climate Literacy Conference 2024 saw the release of FOCUS for beginners, a climate literacy curriculum for primary aged children by Education Minister Thiru. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi who also emphasized the importance of climate literacy among students.