The Hindu 22.11.2010
Ban on use of disposable plastic soon
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.
