The government of Tamilnadu along with Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board inaugurated the ‘Manjapai Kiosk’ at Elliot’s beach, Besant Nagar, on Oct.30. Inaugurated by Ma.Subramanian – Minister for Medical and Family Welfare, and V.Meyyanathan Siva – Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the kiosk houses a manjapai vending machine, from where visitors can get a cloth bag for their use, on payment of money. Each bag costs Rs.10.
The initiative is part of the government of Tamilnadu’s ‘Meendum Manjapai’ initiative, to dissuade people from using single-use plastics and encourage them to opt for eco-friendly multi-use cloth bags. Through this initiative, the government hopes to curb littering.
The kiosk at Besant Nagar also provides graphical information on the impact of marine litter. The kiosk also has, on display, a QR code, through which, visitors can also download the ‘Meendum Manjapai’ app, which gives details about the initiative. “Reports indicate that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than the fishes, if we continue at this same rate. This kiosk can be a centre, where children can come and learn about plastic pollution as well,” said Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Environment Climate Change & Forests).
The ministers also flagged off the Meendum Manjapai brigade, at the beach. “Two electric cars and 6 electric bikes driven by young eco-warriors would zoom past Chennai spreading awareness about plastic pollution and would monitor the ban on the single use plastic to make it more effective,” said Supriya Sahu.
