The use of plastics has been on the upswing in Thanjavur district, like elsewhere, despite passionate appeals by the governmental agencies and local bodies. While environmental damage is beyond the comprehension of the common man, the practical difficulties of mass plastic use and refuse is there for all to see. Many storm water drains and drainage channels in Thanjavur corporation limits have been choked by the plastic waste thrown away by public, traders and unscrupulous elements who find them easy dumping grounds. While bigger drains are being cleared by the civic authorities from time to time, the smaller one are left to the mercy of elements and remain clogged, especially at the areas where they cross roads and culverts and where people frequent shops nearby. Many of the roadside eateries which use plastic sheets for serving their customers quietly dump the refuse in the storm water drains such as the one in Balaji Nagar area on the Medical College Road where the channel is choked with plastic waste. Responsible public wonder what happened to the Thanjavur Corporation's drive against the use of plastics and the promised action against violators who are mostly traders and small-time vendors.
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This year, the fishermen of the coastal villages of Pudukottai district have gone on strike thrice, including the third one launched last week on Friday. “So far, we have gone on indefinite strikes for a cumulative period of about three weeks. The striking period lands us in severe economic strain,” said N.Kuttiyandi, president, Jagadapattinam Mechanised Boat Owners Welfare Association. He said that taking a loan was not an easy option for a fisherman. But when left with no choice they are constrained to approach the banks for loans. “But we do not get it as we are unable to provide any collateral security, and the banks do not accept our boats as security,” he said.
