The Hindu

An event to mark the World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims was conducted yesterday by CAG, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police, and the Dr. Ambedkar Law University. The event was aimed at prioritising human life over speed and convenience and was dedicated to eliminating fatalities from road crashes. The theme this year was justice, which discusses the need to highlight the various socio-economic fallouts of road crashes.

The TN Sustainable Energy Transformation Dialogues organised by CAG, WRI and Auroville Consulting brought together policy makers, technical resource persons and civil society organisations to reflect on Tamil Nadu's role in India’s just announced low emissions pathways in Egypt (COP 27), the state’s ambitious RE targets and clean energy measures.

With different agencies carrying out civic work in nearly 500 locations across the city, throwing it into chaos, Saroja, CAG explains why improvements need to be undertaken in a planned and phased manner, keeping the public informed at all times.

Saroja.S, CAG, advises that preparation for an eco-friendly Ganesh Chathurthi begin well before the event, training artisans who make the idols. Meanwhile, devotees are urged to avoid idols with plastic, glitter etc for their non-biodegradable, toxic properties and the damage they cause to the water bodies that receive them.

CAG urges the government to make warning labels on the front of packed foods compulsory. Participants at the regional meeting held on August 17th discussed how this could potentially address the non-communicable diseases epidemic that is sweeping across our nation. More in the link.

An article based on CAG's study on helmet and seat belt compliance in Tirunelvelli. The study found high levels of non compliance among both bike and car drivers. This is despite the overwhelming evidence that just buckling in these safety gear can save lives.

Commenting on the safety risks from raised manhole covers, Sumana Narayanan, CAG, says the Indian Road Congress guidelines, if followed, would create safer road surfaces. Additionally, the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019, has penalty provisions for road contractors who do not keep safety guidelines. The legal framework needs to now translate into action on the ground.

An article based on CAG's 'Slow Down!' report emphasising the need for implementation of the MVAA 2019, better overall enforcement of speeding laws, and a more scientific approach to arriving at speed limits.

Following the GO that millets be distributed in the PDS, S.Saroja, CAG, suggests that this be done in one urban location also, to assess demand and plan for future supply.

In the webinar organised by CAG to discuss Chennai's master plans, experts and residents together called for planning and execution that focussed on public transport along with better land use and sustainable development.