Kiosks and Brigades Tamil Nadu’s March Toward a Plastic-Free Tomorrow

In October 2023, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) embarked on an innovative journey to combat plastic pollution under the Meendum Manjappai campaign. Through its project “Kiosks and SUP-Free Brigades,” the Board envisioned a cleaner, more aware Tamil Nadu—one where citizens actively participated in reducing single-use plastic (SUP) waste.

The effort began with the establishment of Beach Litter Monitoring Kiosks, the first at Besant Nagar Beach in October 2023 and the second at Neelankarai in March 2024. These solar-powered kiosks, equipped with Manjappai vending machines, reverse vending machines and digital awareness displays, served as beacons of change. Visitors could exchange discarded plastic, receive eco-friendly cloth bags and learn about the state’s SUP ban through live cultural events, quizzes and youth-led awareness sessions. The kiosks also acted as interactive community hubs, where citizens, volunteers and local vendors collectively demonstrated the impact of responsible waste management.

To ensure that awareness reached beyond the beaches, TNPCB launched its dynamic outreach arm—the SUP-Free Brigades. These included Manjappai Brigades across urban Chennai, Blue Brigades along its beaches and Green Brigades in the eco-sensitive regions of Coimbatore, Ooty and Kodaikanal. Travelling on customised e-bikes, the brigades brought environmental education to temples, markets, schools and hill communities, bridging the gap between policy and public participation. Their engaging demonstrations, local storytelling sessions and clean-up drives encouraged behavioural change among residents and tourists alike.

By mid-2025, their collective efforts had touched over 6.9 lakh citizens, conducted 483 roadshows and 46 kiosk events, distributed 3,000 Manjappai bags and shared 1.37 lakh awareness materials. Each interaction reinforced the message that sustainability begins with simple choices—carrying a cloth bag, refusing single-use plastics and inspiring others to do the same.

The journey, however, was not without hurdles: sustaining public interest, managing seasonal tourism fluctuations and maintaining consistent manpower challenged the team. Yet, through partnerships with schools, CSR sponsors and the National Green Corps, TNPCB ensured continuity and credibility.

As the kiosks glowed under the Chennai sun and the brigades rolled through misty hill paths, Tamil Nadu’s message resonated across communities—a state united in its resolve to protect the environment, one yellow bag at a time.

Together, these initiatives illuminate a sustainable path forward, proving that collective commitment, innovation and awareness can transform environmental responsibility into a lasting movement.