Tamil Nadu DCM Udhayanidhi Stalin Distributes 50 Electric Autos to Women’s Self-Help Groups Under the ‘Climate Warriors’ Initiative

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin, on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, distributed 50 electric autos to women’s self-help groups as part of the ‘Climate Warriors’ initiative. He also awarded certificates to schools that have fully implemented green infrastructure measures for environmental conservation.

At an event held at the Secretariat today, the Deputy Chief Minister flagged off the electric autos, which will be used to raise awareness on climate change, promote eco-friendly alternatives, and support sustainable livelihoods through women-led enterprises. This initiative is part of Tamil Nadu’s broader Sustain TN program, aimed at fostering green entrepreneurship and promoting environmental conservation.

Additionally, he launched three books focusing on key environmental issues:

1. Coastal Biodiversity of Tamil Nadu
2. Traditional Wisdom of Indigenous Communities in Climate Adaptation
3. Best Practices for Sustainable Living

Among the honored schools that successfully implemented green infrastructure projects were:

• N. Panchampatti Government Higher Secondary School, Dindigul
• Indira Gandhi Government Higher Secondary School, Villupuram
• Pugalur Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Karur
• Kannanayakkanpatti Government Higher Secondary School, Trichy

Each of these institutions received certificates recognizing their commitment to environmental sustainability.

During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected displays on the harmful effects of single-use plastics and encouraged the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable plates, reusable containers, and wooden cutlery.

The ‘Climate Warriors’ initiative was officially launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin on 8th March 2025, with the first phase distributing 50 electric autos worth ₹4.83 lakh each to women’s self-help groups. The second phase, launched today, distributes another 50 electric autos to further amplify climate awareness efforts.

These eco-friendly electric autos will serve as mobile awareness units, displaying educational messages through digital screens and audio systems to promote sustainable practices across Tamil Nadu. They will also be used by women entrepreneurs for selling organic snacks, recycled products, and eco-friendly alternatives to plastics.

The event was attended by:

• Finance and Environment Minister Thiru. Thangam Thennarasu
• Additional Chief Secretary (Environment and Climate Change) Tmt. Supriya Sahu, IAS
• Additional Chief Secretary (Rural Development) Thiru. Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS
• Director of Environment and Climate Change Thiru. A.R. Rahulnath, IAS
• Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation, Tmt. Surya P. Singh, IAS
• Chairperson of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Thiru. M. Sayanthi, IFS
• Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission Director Thiru. Vivek Kumar, IFS
• Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Thiru. R. Gnanasekaran
  along with other senior government officials.

Press Release: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9