Chennai: “State government’s plastic ban will be strictly implemented from 1 January. So, I request all plastic manufacturers to start reducing production immediately,” said Chennai Collector A Shanmuga Sundram.
Speaking at a meeting at the Collectorate recently, he said, “All the 14 items listed by the government won’t be permitted for sale after the deadline ends this year. I request plastic manufacturers to start manufacturing eco-friendly products made out of plant leaves, paper, clay and aluminium.”
Officials from Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), Fisheries Department, Chennai Corporation, Plastic Manufacturers and Sellers Association participated in the meeting.
Members of Plastic Manufacturers and Sellers Association alleged that the six months deadline given by the government is too short to shift business to eco-friendly products.
Association president G Shankaran, said, “We see this ban as way to crush a lot of small-scale businesses. When it comes into force, over 25,000 small scale industries will be closed and over five lakh people in the State will lose their job. We are ready to shift to eco-friendly products but we need at least one more year for the transition to take place smoothly.”
He further said, “It will be better if the State government waits tills the decision of the Centre in this matter. We have also petitioned the government about this multiple times. If still government implements the ban, we will approach the High Court. If government’s solid waste management is good, there is no need for plastic ban in the first hand.”
Chief Minister Edappadi K Planiswami on World Environment Day (5 June) announced the State government’s decision to ban 14 different use-and-throw plastics from 1 January next year.