The steps initiated by the city Corporation to take the traders and shopkeepers in the city into confidence before going ahead with the blanket ban on plastic carry bags do not seem to have delivered the desired results.
The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi is now on the warpath against the move.
The samithi has allied with the Kerala Plastic Dealers’ Association, which has obvious interests in taking a stand against the move.
On Thursday, the leaders of the samithi and the association held a meeting in the Chala market to decide on the course of action in the coming days.
According to the leaders, the decision of the Corporation to impose the ban is “unscientific” and aimed at diverting the attention of the public from the heaps of waste visible at various parts of the city.
“The Corporation authorities know that a complete ban on plastic is impractical. No shop or business establishment can survive without using plastic to some extent. Also, why is such a ban being implemented only in this city?” asked the leaders in a statement.
The meeting took a decision to strongly oppose the ban and even observe a shutdown, if needed.
The traders also formed an action council to take the protest forward.
2,750 kg seized
Meanwhile, in raids conducted by the city Corporation following the ban, which came into effect on March 1, a total of 2,750 kg of plastic has been seized from around 400 shops in the city. Eighteen squads were sent to the ground across various health circles on Thursday to carry out inspections. Police protection was also provided in some areas.
According to the Corporation authorities, the public as well as residents’ associations have responded positively to the ban. The local body is carrying out an awareness campaign on the streets, especially targeting those who still carry plastic bags. The process of issuing notices on the plastic ban to shops across the city will be completed by this week.
