Celebrating 40 years of civic and consumer advocacy, CAG was lauded for its unwavering public service and impact on citizen rights. “We were challenging the decisions of the government taking a stance on issues that affect citizens,” said founding member Mr. Sriram Panchu.
Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) celebrated 40 years of impactful civic and consumer advocacy in Chennai, reflecting on its legacy since 1985. Justice KP Sivasubramaniam highlighted CAG’s pioneering role, predating even the Consumer Protection Act.
To support TANGEDCO’s plan to install 27,000 kW of rooftop solar capacity in TN district by 2027, CAG organised a stakeholder workshop in Madurai, bringing together consumers, utility officials, financial institutions, and solar developers. The initiative aimed to drive greater rooftop solar adoption among Madurai residents through collaboration and awareness.
CAG organised a stakeholder workshop in Salem to promote rooftop solar adoption in Tamil Nadu, bringing together consumers, TNPDCL officials, media representatives, financial institutions, and solar developers. The key goal of the workshop was to encourage more residents across Salem to switch to solar energy.
CAG's Safe School Zones report released recently included road infrastructure audits and interviews with parents and students. Congestion during pick-up and drop-off hours, unsafe U-turns at school gates, absence of proper drop-off zones, and footpaths that were either encroached upon or completely missing, were the most frequently cited concerns by parents.
At the recent report launch of CAG's Safe School Zones report, Mr. Bandi Gangadhar, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic-South) announced that Chennai traffic police plan to revamp roads around 25 schools across 15 zones, including Kodambakkam, Adyar and T Nagar.
CAG recently launched a report studying school zone safety around three Chennai schools. Despite living within walkable distances from the school, a significant number of parents interviewed for the study said that walking or cycling to school was unsafe. Speaking at the report launch, Mr. Bandi Gangadhar, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic-South) acknowledged unsafe school journeys, saying, “I will not allow my kids to cycle to school in current conditions”.
An awareness meeting organised by CAG helped two apartment associations understand why their solar bills were higher than expected—restoring their confidence in renewable energy and the long-term savings it offers. As part of a two-year project, CAG conducts free awareness programmes for RWAs and works with stakeholders including TANGEDCO, banks, and vendors to promote the adoption of solar energy.
CAG’s Climate Action Month 2025 concluded with powerful calls for climate justice and legal reform. Ms. Supriya Sahu, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary to the Government (Environment, Climate Change & Forests) exhorted young people to stay clear of single use plastics, adding that 'Every time you refuse a plastic bag, you become a climate superhero'. (From 14 minutes 38 seconds).
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, the Union government offers a subsidy of ₹30,000 per kilowatt for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW. At a recent multistakeholder meeting organised by CAG in collaboration with TNPDCL, the utility committed to disbursing the subsidy within 15 days, provided there is effective coordination between vendors and consumers.