Wed Nov 20 17:15:27 UTC 2024: **Tiruvannamalai to Expand Cloth Bag Vending Machines to Curb Plastic Use**
TIRUVANNAMALAI, November 20, 2024 – In a move to combat single-use plastic, Tiruvannamalai will install cloth bag vending machines at the historic Arunachaleswara Temple and the Government Medical College Hospital. This initiative, part of the state government’s “Meendum Manjapai” (return of cloth bag) scheme, aims to increase the accessibility of eco-friendly alternatives.
Currently, only the District Collectorate features such a machine. The new machines, costing between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh each, will dispense bags for ₹10 and hold at least 500 bags. They will operate 24/7 and include CCTV security.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) hopes to have the temple machine installed before Maha Deepam on December 13th. The temple attracts around 20,000 devotees daily, while the hospital sees over 2,000 outpatients. The TNPCB plans to initially maintain the machines before handing over maintenance and bag procurement to self-help groups.
The initiative follows a 2019 state-wide ban on single-use plastics. Health teams will continue monitoring plastic use and promoting the cloth bag alternative. District Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian has approved the project, pending space allocation from the HR&CE Department for the temple installation.
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