The Hindu 16.02.2013
Corporation intensifies drive against plastic bags
Manufacturers fined Rs. 5,000, traders Rs. 500 and consumers to be fined Rs. 150.
Intensifying its drive against usage of plastic bags with less than 40 microns, Corporation health officials conducted inspections in shops and seized 648 kg of plastic bags and levied a fine of Rs. 32,000.
Teams led by City Health Officer V. Yasodhamani comprising Assistant Commissioners of each of four zones, sanitary inspectors and supervisors, are conducting inspections at manufacturing units, wholesale and retail sellers distributing plastic bags.
A total of 297 shops and units were raided after the ban was enforced by the civic body from January 4. Micron meters were used to test the thickness of the plastic and if found less than 40 microns, the plastic bags were seized.
Though departmental stores and many retail shop have started to charge extra for plastic bags with more than 40 microns, small shop keepers said that they were unaware of the ban and could not sell plastic bags for additional cost to their customers or supply it free.
The officials said that the manufacturers and sellers had to be sensitised to the health implications of using plastic bags so that the ban was completely enforced.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests had notified the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 to ban multilayered plastic pouches and sachets. Hence, consumers should avoid taking beverages in plastic cups, the officials added.
Manufactures who were found in procession of the plastic bags were levied a fine of Rs. 5,000 while traders were fined Rs. 500. Consumers, if found to be carrying or using the bags, would also be fined Rs.150.
Ms. Yasodhamani told The Hindu that awareness programmes would be conducted for the public through rallies, competitions for school students and pamphlet distributions apart from placing message boards at public places and at shops. “Meetings will also be held with Self-Help Groups and residential welfare associations to spread the message,” she added.
