Media Coverage

A recent study by CAG highlights the need to strengthen climate literacy among Tamil Nadu MLAs, with many showing gaps in key environmental topics. The findings highlight the urgent need for educational intervention and policy alignment

The Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) is actively engaging with Resident Welfare Associations to promote rooftop solar adoption, addressing concerns and providing guidance on the process. K. Vishnu Mohan Rao, CAG's program lead, emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions and shared experiences in overcoming regulatory hurdles.

CAG collaborated with the Federation of OMR Resident Associations (FOMRRA) and ASAR to host an informative workshop on rooftop solar PV systems for residents across Chennai. The session provided valuable insights into solar installation, financial options, and maximizing efficiency, with a commitment to promoting clean energy.

This article on social equity in public transport quotes CAG's study on the free bus scheme for women in Tamil Nadu. The free-fare initiative was found to lead to significant savings and improved access to education and healthcare for women.

CAG conducted a workshop on Tamil Nadu’s Road Safety Action Plan, where Transport Commissioner Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru highlighted the Rs 2,800 crore in unpaid e-challans, with a low recovery rate of 43-48% from commercial vehicles. The state plans to enhance road safety by establishing a dedicated authority and learning from successful models in other states.

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.