AI-Powered Waste Management Initiative in Tamil Nadu
▪ For the first time in Tamil Nadu, measures have been taken to implement waste management using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
▪ The Ooty Municipality is currently attempting to handle waste with AI technology assistance, in collaboration with Kinder and Hand in Hand voluntary organizations.
▪ As a first phase, measures have been taken to implement this in the Coonoor area of Ooty
Municipality.
Greater Flamingo Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu
▪ The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared a greater flamingo sanctuary spanning 524.7 hectares, part of the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, at Dhanushkodi.
▪ The move aims to preserve a critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for migratory wetland birds.
▪ According to the recent 2023-24 Wetland Bird Survey, the Dhanushkodi region recorded over 10,700 wetland birds, representing 128 species including herons, egrets, sandpipers, and both greater and lesser flamingos.
▪ It was organised by the Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests to celebrate World Environment Day.
▪ Mangrove species such as Avicennia and Rhizophora dominate the Dhanushkodi lagoon, providing essential breeding grounds and natural defenses against coastal erosion.
Thozhilaalar Thedi Maruthuvam scheme
▪ Tamil Nadu health minister launched a workplace screening program for non-communicable diseases in small businesses and offices at the Thiru.V.K. Nagar Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai.
▪ The scheme, which is based on the lines of Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam would conduct medical screening for industrial workers.
▪ Since a lot of working people are not able to benefit from the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme because of regular work hours, Thozhilaalar Thedi Maruthuvam scheme has been launched by the state health department.
▪ The scheme will be implemented for the workers employed in factories and non-organized industries including construction.
▪ This scheme was initially launched in Thiruvallur in 2024
