The Hindu   08.08.2012

Steps to free Salem city of plastics

In an attempt to prevent excessive use of plastic bags and curb indiscriminate dumping of plastic in public places, City Municipal Corporation has decided to seek consensus from the manufacturers, commercial establishments and the public, before enforcing a ban on the use of below 40 micron plastic bags.

Officials said that instead of enforcing a ban and forcing citizens to follow, a meeting would be called next week to discuss problems of using plastics, difficulties in implementing and arrive at a consensus. Manufacturers, trade associations, commercial establishments, retail traders, departmental store representatives and the public would attend the meeting. Only if plastic bags less than 40 microns were manufactured and sold, it would be used by the public. Hence manufacturers would be asked to produce accordingly. Alternative methods like encouraging the use of jute bags would also be discussed in the meeting.

At next stage, school and college students would be roped in to educate the public to deter the use of plastic and would be asked to carry their own bags while purchasing items. Residents would be asked not to dump plastic bags in open places as drains, sewerage systems are getting choked by plastic bags, the officials added.

The civic body would place 100 new bins on major roads like Sarada College Road, Omalur Main Road, Trichy Road, Attur Main Road to make it a litter-free zone. Two compactors, purchased at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh, would ensure the bins are cleaned regularly and provide a hygienic atmosphere. Of the total 60 wards, civic body is involved in collecting garbage from 39 wards, while a private contractor is involved in the process at 21 wards.