Tamil Nadu bans one-time use and throwaway plastics
Tamil Nadu bans ‘one-time use and throwaway plastics’ in the state, with effect from the new year day of 2019. It was announced by Edapadi K. Palanisamy , Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the Legislative Assembly. Orders have already issued to the concerned people on this regard.
In order to create awareness of the ban on plastic, Chief Minister has launched a logo, website, mobile app and awareness videos for Plastic Pollution Free Tamil Nadu Campaign.
Actor Vivek was appointed as Brand Ambassador for the campaign. In continuation Deputy Chief Minister and Ministers of the respective Districts along with District Collectors launched awareness campaign on ‘Plastic Pollution Free Tamil Nadu’ in August 2018.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapadi Palanichami launches the campaign along with Tamil film actor Vivek
A meeting with various representatives from the plastic manufacturers and other associations was held on 14th November 2018 and clarifications were provided by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, followed by written replies.
Meetings were conducted with the representatives of Shopping Malls, Hotels and Marriage Halls, TASMAC and bar owner associations of all the districts for sensitizing on the changeover from banned throwaway plastic items to eco-friendly alternatives.
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board also conducted meeting with representatives from Eco- Clubs, NGC Coordinators and District Coordinators of Tamil Nadu to create awareness among public on ban on ‘one time and throwaway plastics’ involving NGOs and school students.
District Environmental Committee meetings and massive awareness rally under the chairmanship of District Collectors were conducted at all the districts of Tamil Nadu and resolutions were passed to create district free of one time use and throwaway plastic.
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had directed all the large industries throughout the State of Tamil Nadu to comply with the order of the Government on the ban on one time use and throwaway plastic items and to create awareness on ban on onetime use and throwaway plastics in areas adjoining the industry. Display boards showing banned items are placed at 45 toll plazas.
Chief Minister has also inaugurated a mobile exhibition on 10th December 2018 for creating awareness among public and school children around all the districts of Tamil Nadu.
Regional Conferences for Plastic Pollution Free Tamil Nadu to create awareness among various stake holders were conducted at Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Chennai and Salem under the chairmanship of Minister for Environment in coordination with the respective Regional Coordinators for Plastic Pollution Free Tamil Nadu.
From the effective date of ban – 1st January 2019 onward, no manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, trader, shopkeeper, vendor, hawker or salesman and users shall stock the banned use and throwaway plastic items. The existing stock of banned use and throwaway plastic items need to be collected and disposed in a scientific manner through concerned local bodies.
Two days after the Tamil Nadu government’s ban on single-use plastics came into force, the Chennai Corporation has seized almost 12.50 metric tonnes of the banned item from across the city. The items were seized after the Corporation officials conducted surprise checks in various localities.
