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.