The Nilgiris district administration has banned the use of paper and plastic cups with immediate effect.
In a press release here, the District Collector, Innocent Divya, has stated that the use of paper cups, which contain a substance that would adversely affect citizens’ health, should no longer be sold. Instead, shops should use stainless steel, or glass tumblers.
Any shopkeeper found violating the rules will be fined ₹ 5,000, while wholesale dealers of the products will be fined ₹ 20,000, Ms. Divya said.
The administration has stated that fireworks should not be used near hospitals, public spaces, crowded roads, and in areas adjoining reserve forests. Fireworks which are extremely loud have been banned. Citizens should not light fireworks near thatched roof houses, and near motor vehicles.
The use of fireworks has been banned from between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. as directed by the Supreme Court. Citizens shall contact the fire department in case of an emergency.
