KOLLAM FIRST DISTRICT
TO GO PLASTIC FREE
Kollam
becomes the first district to implement complete plastic ban in all of its
Local Self Government Departments in the State. The district collector has
announced the ban on plastic bags below 50 microns starting from Saturday,1st
April,2017.. The ban is based on the Center’s Plastic Management Act of 2016
and the circular issued by the state government. All four municipalities, 68
grama panchayats, and the Kollam Corporation has issued order regarding the
ban, said Suchitwa Mission district coordinator G. Krishnakumar.
The
local self government departments (LSGD) have been entitled with implementing
the ban of plastic carry bags under 50 microns under its jurisdiction in
accordance with the plastic waste management laws. The traders , including
street vendors using plastic carry bags complying with the prescribed
thickness, should register with these departments by paying Rs 4000 a month as
plastic waste maintenance charges. The traders using plastic carry bags as per
the prescribed norms should display that the cost of such bags will be charged
from the customer.The administration will also conduct intensive raids in all
institutions under the LSGDs to prevent use of banned plastic bags. The
district suchithwa mission has sensitised over 500 Kudumbasree neighbourhood
groups to hit the markets with eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. These
units eye on minting money by starting production units of paper and cloth bags
across the district to fill the gap of plastic carry bags. According to an
order issued by the National Green Tribunal in December 2016, those persons at
the helm of LSGDs will be responsible for the violation of plastic ban under
their jurisdiction.
Prof. John Kurakar
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