Aavin’s automatic milk vending machine launched in Udhagamandalam

Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru inaugurated the milk vending machine at Charing Cross in Udhagamandalam on Monday | Photo Credit: M. Sathyamoorthy Aavin has revived its automatic milk vending machines with the launch of one such facility near the farmer’s market at Charring Cross in Udhagamandalam on Monday (August 17, 2026). The initiative, aimed at reducing plastic waste from milk sachets in the Nilgiris, was inaugurated by District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru.Speaking at the inauguration of the new facility, Ms. Tanneeru reiterated the need to limit the generation of single-use plastic waste, with milk sachets continuing to be a major source of plastic waste in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal. Aavin had told the Madras High Court earlier this year that it sells more than 60 lakh milk sachets every day across the State. The discarded plastic sachets are a major source of pollution, prompting the court to direct Aavin to find a solution to the problem.— The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) August 17, 2026The Collector said the automatic milk vending station had been set up at an approximate cost of ₹7 lakh.She urged local residents and members of the public to bring their own milk containers to the vending machines to purchase milk. Consumers can make payments in cash, using prepaid cards or through digital payment gateways, she said. Ms. Tanneeru said the machine is capable of reading the denomination of the currency notes inserted at the outlet and dispensing a corresponding quantity of milk, with a minimum purchase value of ₹10 (for a single purchase).She said that, depending on the public response, more machines would be installed at other locations across the district. The Collector also inaugurated the sale of milk, milk powder, ghee, milk sweets, ice cream and biscuits through Aavin’s new mobile sales vehicle on Monday. Published - August 17, 2026 05:43 pm IST