Chennai: “Stringent measures will be taken if manufacturers are found processing single-use plastic items after the implementation of ban and fine from residents will be collected for using banned items,” said State Environment Minister K C Karuppannan.
In an effort to propagate the message of plastic ban, Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) organised a regional conference here Wednesday, which saw residents, manufacturers and stakeholders participating.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said, “There have been several news reports highlighting the loss of employment in industries, but it should be noted that it is only the 14 single-use items are banned among others. It is imperative that we shift as 25 per cent of the daily waste comprise of plastic which doesn’t degrade and lies as they are polluting the natural resources.”
He further stated that implementing ban is not a challenge as the department and officials have been conducting awareness programmes throughout the State and the regional conference is said to be taking place in a few more districts.
K C KaruppannanHe also spoke at length on farmers bearing the brunt because of plastic pollution and emphasised the need to shift to using sustainable products to make them use natural fertilizers.
Tamilnadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar who also took part in the conference said, “Plastic usage has become a part and parcel of our lives and it is necessary that we need to prefer alternatives. Ten per cent of the plastic items we use get deposited in the sea and our gruelsome act has affected the aquatic animals.”
Collectors, district forest officers and superintendent of police from various regions and regional coordinators for implementing plastic ban were present at the conference.