Chennai: Tamil Nadu is stepping up its fight against pollution, launching new programmes to collect fishing nets, recycle river plastics, monitor industries, and build stronger protection for its land and sea.
In a move to protect the marine ecosystems, TN govt has launched a state-wide drive to collect and recycle abandoned fishing nets and reduce plastic pollution in rivers and estuaries. Building on the success of the pilot TN Fishing Net Initiatives (TNFI) launched in Kasimedu here, where 13,510 kg of fishing net waste has already been collected and recycled, the state plans to expand the programme across all 14 coastal districts, funded by 1.75 crore from the World Bank’s TN-SHORE project.

Adding to this, TN will implement the TN-TAPER project — a 4 crore pilot project to intercept and recycle river plastics, beginning with a riverbank site in the city. Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) will also be established in coastal districts such as Chennai, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi at an estimated cost of 1 crore, aiming to prevent plastic from reaching the oceans.
Meanwhile, the state is setting benchmarks in environmental monitoring by introducing India’s first mobile environmental monitoring lab. Equipped with real-time analytical instruments, this 1 crore initiative will enable rapid disaster responses to gas leaks, oil spills, and industrial accidents in Chennai.
In addition, the TN Pollution Control Board plans to remotely monitor vehicle emissions at toll plazas through a 15 lakh pilot project, aiming to better control traffic-related air pollution.
The govt is also boosting its enforcement capabilities with new flying squads in Madurai, Trichy, Cuddalore, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli, with an allocation of 2.35 crore, ensuring swift action against environmental violations.