Constant and vigilant enforcement is crucial in keeping pavements clear of encroachments especially of vehicles & shops extending their stores on to the pavements. Hawkers & vendors must be given space as per the National Vendors Act, says Sumana Narayanan of CAG.
S Saroja from CAG stressed the need for simple, effective, front of pack warning labels on packed foods to help consumers make informed choices, in light of India's non-communicable disease crisis, at a webinar organised by CUTS International
Playgrounds, parks and such public spaces are crucial for the health and well-being of citizens. The pandemic has just underscored their importance, notes Sumana Narayanan of CAG. As Madras turns 382 this August, it is time the city ensures that parks and playgrounds abound and that they are well-maintained and accessible to all.
'Greater Chennai Corporation is set to enforce the single-use plastic ban starting next week. CAG's study on the effectiveness of the two year old ban indicates that banned plastic items remain prevalent. Vamsi Kapilavai, CAG, explains that an ecosystem of alternatives needs to be established for the ban to be effective'.
K. Vishnu Mohan Rao, CAG, commenting on the government's plans to revise the power tariff, said this would be a fair step but one that should be accompanied by 'targeted subsidies'
K. Vishnu Mohan Rao, CAG, commenting on the government's plans to revise the power tariff, said this would be a fair step but one that should be accompanied by 'targeted subsidies'
A roundtable of consumer organisations was organised to consider proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-Com)rules) 2020. S. Saroja (from CAG) participated, wanting emphasis in amendments to look at factors like sustainable consumption, packaging and carbon footprints.
“Decentralising waste by building capacity in ward and zonal levels is also a solution (to managing solid waste). There can be different approaches in one city,” says Sumana Narayanan, Senior Researcher, CAG.
Community solar and wind plants could ease the financial crisis faced by India's power distributors. And Tamil Nadu shows the way. #SolarEnergy #WindEnergy #TamilNadu #Electricity
CAG wrote to the Minister for Social Welfare, GoTN highlighting the need to ensure food under the Mid Day Meal Scheme continues to reach underpriveliged children even though schools are not functioning in person. Otherwise, considering the impact of the pandemic on livelihoods, children may be pressed to work for daily wages and this will have a huge impact on their education even after schools resume full functioning.
#Lockdown #TamilNadu #COVIDSecondWave #Pandemic #Poverty #JobLoss #StayHome #StaySafe