The Hindu 05.02.2010
Anti-plastics campaign from today
Staff Reporter
| Major role for elected representatives in local bodies |
Over 1,000 SHG members, NGOs and students will be part of the event
Boards instructing public not to use thin plastics to come up in 50 locations
PUDUCHERRY: The Puducherry government on Friday will kick-start a campaign against the use of thin plastics.
In the wake of the recent ban slapped on plastics of thickness of 50 microns and below, the government hopes to create awareness of hazards of thin plastics and alternatives to such plastics.
Home Minister E. Valsaraj, who also holds the Science, Technology and Environment portfolio, will be launching the campaign at an event to be hosted at Anthony Mahal, at 11 a.m.
He will be also announcing an action plan, officials of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC) said.
Over 1,000 members of self-help groups, non-government organisations (NGOs) and students, who would participate in the campaign, would be part of the event. Presidents and councillors of commune panchayats and municipalities are also expected to attend.
“The campaign will be sustained one, lasting up to six months after it is launched on Friday,” said Special Secretary to Government and Chairman of PPCC G. Theva Neethi Dhas said.
The campaign would involve end users, manufacturers, traders and all stakeholders, not only in Puducherry but also Mahe, Yanam and Karaikal.
Elected representatives in the local bodies would also play a major role, Mr. Dhas said.
Officials said that National Green Corps from many schools across the Union Territory would be involved in the programme.
Notice boards instructing the public not to use thin plastics would be put up in around 50 locations.
The boards would also carry information on penalty likely to be imposed if the ban is violated. Pamphlets would also be distributed.
Samples of banned plastic items and viable alternatives would be on display at the event. Cloth bags would also be distributed to all participants, officials said.
