The upcoming United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28), scheduled to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, will showcase the environmental strides made by Tamil Nadu, with three pioneering projects chosen by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for global discussion. The recognition of these initiatives underscores the state’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The Chosen Projects
Out of the seven projects selected for presentation at COP28, all three from Tamil Nadu stand out as unique endeavours of the current DMK government. These projects are the Meendum Manjappai campaign, the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC), and the Women Eco-Warrior project.
Meendum Manjappai Campaign
Launched in 2021 by Chief Minister M K Stalin, the Meendum Manjappai campaign has evolved into a dynamic force in Tamil Nadu’s journey towards sustainable living. This visionary initiative seeks to revolutionize the use of bags, promoting environmentally friendly cloth alternatives while discouraging the detrimental use of plastic bags. The campaign’s impact has been monumental, with 92 manjappai vending machines strategically placed across the state.
Underpinning its success is a robust enforcement strategy that has seen 5.75 lakh raids conducted, leading to the confiscation of a staggering 560 tonnes of single-use plastics (SUP). The tangible results extend to a substantial collection of Rs 7.2 crore in fines, emphasizing the campaign’s commitment to not just awareness but also tangible behavioural change.
Going beyond traditional measures, the Meendum Manjappai campaign embraces innovation. Beach litter monitoring kiosks have been introduced, providing real-time data on the state of our coastal areas. Additionally, the deployment of Manjappai e-vehicles adds a futuristic and sustainable dimension to the campaign’s multifaceted approach.
Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC)
The Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC), functioning as a Special Purpose Vehicle, stands at the forefront of the state’s climate action initiatives. With a mission to drive effective environmental stewardship, the TNGCC boasts various verticals dedicated to executing mega climate change initiatives and ambitious greening projects.
One of the noteworthy facets of TNGCC is the establishment of the TN Green Climate Fund, a registered social venture fund under SEBI. This financial arm actively processes proposals related to circularity and e-mobility, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge solutions. The impact is poised to be far-reaching as the state sets out to implement the TN Coastal Restoration Mission, a visionary project with a substantial outlay of Rs 2,000 crore.
Scheduled for execution from 2024-2029, the TN Coastal Restoration Mission signifies Tamil Nadu’s commitment to restoring its coastline. With Rs 600 crore allocated by the state and the remainder to be funded by the World Bank, this initiative underscores the global collaboration required to address pressing environmental challenges.
Recognition and Session at COP28
The Union government’s decision to dedicate a special session at COP28 to Tamil Nadu, scheduled for December 6 under the theme “Multilevel Action, Urbanisation & Built Environment, Transport,” serves as a testament to the global importance of the state’s environmental endeavours. Alongside Goa and the NCT of Delhi, Tamil Nadu has been selected to host this significant session, offering a platform to share insights and experiences on a global stage.
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the government, expressed enthusiasm, rightly stating, “This is a recognition for our work. It will be nice to share our experience at a global event.” As Tamil Nadu prepares to take the stage at COP28, the state’s comprehensive and innovative approach towards environmental sustainability is set to inspire and influence global conversations on climate action.
Recognition and Session at COP28
The Union government has earmarked a special session at COP28 on December 6 under the theme “Multilevel Action, Urbanisation & Built Environment, Transport.” Tamil Nadu, along with Goa and NCT of Delhi, has been selected to host this session, highlighting the global importance of the state’s environmental efforts. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the government, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is a recognition for our work. It will be nice to share our experience at a global event.”
Conclusion
As Tamil Nadu’s groundbreaking green initiatives take the spotlight at COP28, the state emerges as a leader in sustainable practices and environmental innovation. The selected projects reflect not only the commitment of the DMK government but also the state’s dedication to fostering positive change on a global scale. The discussions at COP28 are poised to showcase Tamil Nadu’s journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.
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