Plastic ban in Thiruvananthapuram from today

Thiruvananthapuram: The ban on plastic carry bags in Thiruvananthapuram corporation area will come into effect on March 1. Mayor V.K. Prashanth said that a fine will be imposed on outlets which do not comply with the ban from April. The Corporation will also cancel shop license, he said. The corporation has formed 12 special squads to conduct raids in 25 health circles to seize plastic carry bags and issue notices to violators. The civic body claims that ‘Go Green Expo’, an exhibition of alternatives to plastic carry bags, has got a good response.

So far, the manufacturers here have got orders to make 5 lakhs cloth carry bags and 10 lakh paper bags, according to a press release issued from the mayor’s office. In addition, the corporation has submitted a proposal to make 25 lakh cloth bags and make it available at a subsidised price, it said. The corporation, anticipating resistance from shopkeepers, has sought help from the state police to implement the project. The police will not conduct raids on their own but will accompany corporation’s health officials.

Associations such as the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi had earlier told DC they will offer opposition to the ban. Even CPM-led Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi had expressed its feeling that it will have to resist the LDF-led corporation’s decision in an attempt to retain support among traders. The only association to offer support to the decision has been the Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association.