The Hindu    16.08.2012

Karur municipality intensifies drive to enforce plastic ban

Civic and local body authorities have intensified the drive to eradicate plastic menace in the district since the beginning of the month by launching awareness campaigns and concrete field action to check use of plastic carry bags especially in eateries, restaurants and petty shops.

People have welcomed the anti-plastic drive though they say it might take some more time to get accustomed to the emerging situation, in particular when visiting the hotels.

First to launch the drive in the district was the Karur municipality, whose officials led teams to search and remove plastic carry bags in shops around Muthukumarasamy bus stand, Jawahar Bazar and Kovai Road areas. Polythene bags and articles were confiscated in the wake of directive from higher officials during those checks. They instructed the traders to use only 40-micron and above carry bags, and that too only under dire circumstances. The traders at Thanthonrimalai and Vengamedu too had to follow the measures.

In another move, officials of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board joined Karur municipal officials in the campaign for plastic bags removal and the move has yielded desirable results. Karur municipality had also proclaimed against use of plastics below 40 microns and the resolution passed in that regard took effect since August 1 last.

The officials went round the town using sophisticated gadget to check the strength and grade of plastics being used by traders over the past few days to keep an eye on the ban on plastics.

Karur Municipality officials say that they are determined to end use of plastics above 40 micron measure in tune with the State policy and was giving shape to the decision of the local body an assured that the drive would continue.