A prototype of a vending machine ManjapaiEco-friendly cloth bag is ready.
It can hold up to 40 bags at a time. When a user puts a ₹10 coin into a slot, they can get a bag. Environment, Climate Change and Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu said that the machine is working well and they have planned to install such machines at market places and bus stops. “To begin with, it will be in Koyambedu” [bus terminus], The prototype of the 400 bag-holding machine is under preparation and will be ready in two weeks.
In a tweet on Saturday, he said, “The Manjapai The vending machine is finally here. Making cloth bags available in public places at affordable cost is a challenge. We are working to install these machines at market places and bus stops. The prototype is ready and details will come soon.”
Ms. Sahu said that it is a simple machine and small modifications have been made to take out the bag. “We have to tie up with someone to ensure continuous supply” Manjapai, It has been designed with inputs from Greater Chennai Corporation, TNPCB and all of us in the team. The idea is to make eco-friendly cloth bags easily available. We don’t want to make it a permanent feature because we want people to carry their own bags.”
About the work done to ban plastic in the state, he said that plastic cannot be eliminated overnight as it has been in use for decades. “Ever since the ban was imposed in 2019, 170 manufacturing units have been shut so far. Recently, 1,700 tonnes of plastic have been confiscated by various local bodies and a fine of ₹7 to ₹8 crore has been collected,” she said.
He said that the government is asking collectors to encourage SHG members to make eco-friendly options for sewing bags and packaging.