The Hindu 22.11.2010
Ban on use of disposable plastic soon
Staff Reporter
AMBUR: Ambur will soon be free from plastic waste. A ban on use of
disposable plastic items including tea cups and plastic covers will soon
be implemented in Ambur Municipality areas. A resolution banning the
use of disposable plastic items was unanimously passed in a special
council meeting of the municipality on Saturday.
Chairman of the municipality V. Nazeer Ahmed said all 36 councillors
of the local body gave the nod to pass the resolution to ban plastic
items, which are meant for one-time use, for the welfare of Ambur and
its residents. This was mainly because plastic waste clogged the drains
in the local body limits causing plenty of civic woes for residents.
“We are banning use and throw plastic items including tea cups and
plastic covers. Dumping of plastic covers has resulted in clogging of
drains. When these covers clog storm water drains, conservation of water
through rain water harvesting becomes difficult. The ban will help
Ambur and its residents to a large extent,” he said. Once published in
the Tamil Nadu gazette, the municipality will take steps to implement
the ban, which will take about two to three months, he mentioned.
“Plastic is non-biodegradable. There is a huge collection of plastic
waste at the municipality’s compost yard. Use of plastic will also cause
health hazards for the public. We are urging all shopkeepers in Ambur
not to use disposable plastic and co-operate with the municipality in
its initiative to keep Ambur free from plastic,” Mr. Ahmed said. The
municipality will soon work out the modalities to implement the ban
following the gazette notification, he said, adding, “We will have to
discuss various modalities including levy of fine for those who violate
the ban. We will also plan about holding meetings with shop owners to
create awareness of the ban on use of plastic.” During the special
meeting, the council also disposed the works to lay roads sanctioned for
the municipality under the Special Roads Scheme. Tenders were earlier
floated, following which the works were disposed, he said.
