Progress and Challenges in Chennai’s Green Initiatives

Chennai’s green initiatives, aimed at reducing landfill waste, showcase both successes and challenges. The Manjappai campaign, launched in 2021, has effectively promoted the use of eco-friendly yellow cloth bags, supported by 31 vending machines and the Meendum Manjappai app, which helps track their distribution. However, improvements like offering larger bags could further boost its popularity.

The sanitary napkin vending machines installed by Chennai Metro Rail Limited in 2021 have faced significant issues, including vandalism and maintenance difficulties, stretching NGO resources. Meanwhile, a reverse vending machine for PET bottles at the Koyambedu bus terminus initially thrived but struggled due to improper use and pandemic disruptions. Despite these hurdles, the Greater Chennai Corporation continues to sell compost from garden and vegetable waste, maintaining efforts to foster environmental responsibility among residents.