Our roads have been planned and built to cater to motorists, particularly private vehicles. Space and consideration for low carbon modes of commute (walking, cycling, and public transport) is not a priority. This is in spite of the fact that these are sustainable modes of transport - causing minimal pollution, taking little space, being affordable and accessible by all. 

A report on the proceedings of the

National Conference on Air Pollution and Climate Change

January 31, 2023 
 

Organised by

In light of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives’ (GAIA) Zero Waste Month observed in January, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) in collaboration with Justice Basheer Ahmed Syed (JBAS) College, Chennai conducted an event  ‘Zero Waste Beginnings’. The event was aimed at college students, to help build an awareness of zero waste lifestyles and understand the overwhelming menace of solid waste, especially plastic waste.

Globally, road crashes kill 1.35 million people and injure 50 million people every year. Road Traffic Injuries are the leading cause of death amongst children and young adults. It is important to recognise that road crashes not only contribute to the unaccountable suffering of victims, their friends and families but also impact economically productive young lives thereby draining the GDP of the nation. . India witnesses more than 400 road fatalities every day (WHO, 2018).

Tamil Nadu continues to hold its place as one of the top 5 states for road fatalities (Road Accidents in India, 2020). This is despite the consistent steps since 2017, taken by the state to improve road safety. Institutional changes, data-driven approaches, and improved law enforcement have only borne limited fruit. What then will work? How are countries around the world strengthening road safety? Are there lessons for Tamil Nadu from this?

CAG in collaboration with Consumer Rights Movement, Salem conducted a regional media workshop in Salem on the 25th of September, 2022. The workshop aimed at underlining the need for implementation of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act (MVAA) 2019 and sensitizing media reporters to cover road crashes more effectively. The workshop witnessed the participation of over 30 media personnel, inclusive of senior reporters and journalists.

Citizen Consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organised a discussion on the “Residential Rooftop Solar Experience in Tamil Nadu: The Prosumer Perspective”, at Madras Management Association (MMA), Chennai on September 3, 2022. The objective of the programme was to bring together residential prosumers to discuss the issues faced while installing Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and to brainstorm possible solutions. Mr K.

CAG in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Consumer Protection and Environment Research Centre (TNCPERC), Tiruvarur organised a workshop on ‘Strengthening Road Safety Decision Making’ for members of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) on the 18th of July, 2022. The workshop aimed at sharing knowledge of global best practices on road safety emphasising the need for robust road safety legislation, increased penalties to act as deterrents and leveraging the use of technology for improved enforcement. The session was inaugurated by the District Revenue Officer, Mr. P.