A mass awareness campaign will start on December 29 with 10 squads fanning out in each ward, as part of the city Corporation’s programme to ensure a total plastic ban within the city limits from January 1, 2013.
These squads will be led by the respective ward councillors and samrakshana samithis that were formed two months ago.
Door-to-door
“These squads will conduct a door-to-door awareness drive, visiting homes, shops and commercial establishments. We also plan to approach members of the public who carry plastic bags and exchange them with cloth bags,” said chairman of the welfare standing committee of the Corporation, Palayam Rajan.
Busy roads
Busy stretches of road have also been identified, such as those leading to East Fort from Kesavadasapuram, Vellayambalam, Peroorkada and Pappanamcode, which will be focused on.
In addition, one aspect of the civic body’s initiative pertains to fostering carry bag units.
Budget next year
Works standing committee Chairperson V.S. Padmakumar said the Corporation planned to devote part of the next financial year’s budget upon supporting groups such as Kudumbashree, in producing cloth, jute or paper carry bags.
The members of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES) has requested for more time before implementing this programme.
“Eight months ago, there was a meeting with traders and back then we had aired this option of banning plastic bags altogether. They then requested a six-month period when they can use up their existing stock. That time is up and we will be moving forward with this from the start of the New Year,” said Mr. Rajan.
Discussions were held at the civic body on Thursday, aiming to finalise the details of this comprehensive plastic boycott programme.
A council meeting has been scheduled for Friday.
