Most manjappai vending machines lie idle in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Automatic cloth bag vending machines, introduced as part of an eco-friendly initiative under the Meendum Manjappai scheme, are lying idle in Coimbatore. The machines -- each costing approximately Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh -- was installed in 15 locations in the district, according to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) website.

They were installed in places including the district collectorate, Gandhipuram bus stand, R S Puram Uzhavar Sandhai, the flower market on the Mettupalayam Road, Sulur and Pollachi. The machine’s capacity ranges from 250 to 500 bags. Most of these machines are now non-functional and abandoned.The machines were installed to promote the use of cloth bags as a replacement for single-use plastic bags by the public. Despite an investment of more than Rs 10 lakh on these machines, public awareness about their existence remains low.

As part of the campaign, an app integrated with GIS mapping of these machines was launched for public use.TOI visited the flower market, Gandhipuram bus stand, RS Puram Uzhavar Sandhai and collectorate to check the functional status of these machines. The machine on the collectorate premises had a few bags but was non-functional due to a disconnected electricity supply. The situation at the Gandhipuram bus stand was not different, with the machine showing clear signs of neglect.

R Gomathi Devi, a commuter at Gandhipuram bus stand, said, "For more than a year, I have rarely seen this machine functioning. I believe many people are unaware of its existence. Regardless of usage, regular maintenance would attract people. Even if the machine is operational, its dusty appearance creates an impression of being defunct."A flower vendor at the bus stand added, "The machine's placement near the bus office is not ideal.

It should be installed in areas with high purchasing activity like the Crosscut Road. This would encourage people to choose cloth bags over plastic covers."Responding to these concerns, a TNPCB official said, "While TNPCB handles the installation of machines, their maintenance is the local administration’s responsibility. Corporation or panchayat should maintain it. We can inspect the condition based on public complaints, which can also be registered through the app."