Paravur first in district with plastic fee

KOLLAM: As the district administration gears up for a total ban from April 1, the Paravur Municipality has become the first in the district to collect a ‘plastic waste maintenance fee’ as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. So far Rs 48,000 has been collected. The local self-governments are implementing the ban on carry bags under 50 microns under their jurisdiction. The traders including street vendors complying with the prescribed thickness should register with them paying Rs 4,000 a month as maintenance charges.

“As many as 15 grama panchayats and two municipalities including Paravoor and Karunagappally are all set for a strict enforcement," assistant development commissioner G. Krishnakumar, the district coordinator Suchitwa Mission, told DC. "Its success entirely depends on them. Those who intend to use plastic carry bags of prescribed thickness can register with them by paying maintenance charges."

The mission has sensitised over 500 Kudumbasree neighbourhood groups to hit the market with eco-friendly alternatives. These units eye brisk business from paper and cloth bag production to fill the gap. The National Green Tribunal's December 2016 order says those persons at the helm of LSGs will be responsible for the violations. However, many are slow in implementing the ban which also supports environmental conservation.