With the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival knocking at the doors , the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation is going out all guns to strictly enforce the ‘no plastic’ order in Srirangam.
Plastic collection centres are to be set up at all the five entrances to the temple town. Plastic bags will be collected and cloth bags will be provided to all those passing through the area. Those travelling in vehicles will be provided with pamphlets advocating them to not use plastic bags and a public address system will advise people to handover plastic items at the designated collection centres.
“In Srirangam, which is a plastic-free zone, the use of plastic is prohibited and if used it will be seized and confiscated. Strict action will be taken by officials,” said V.P.Thandapani, Corporation Commissioner.
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Additionally, water tanks with 24-hour water supply will be stationed at 51 points. The plastic collection centres will be managed by members of the Exnora and persons who handover plastic items will receive a lucky draw coupon. The centres will function from 6 p.m. on January 10 to 12.30 p.m. on January 11. A lucky draw will be organised in front of the Rajagopuram on January 11 to select winners in the contest. Gifts including one gold coin, five silver coins, and 10 LED bulbs. A total of 20 Tirukkural books will be given as consolation prizes.
Donors have been requested to avoid giving away plastic water packets and annadanam food in plastic covers. Officials would monitor the area and inspect it to check the use of plastic. The commissioner has cautioned the public to use garbage bins to keep the area clean.