The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ordered the closure of four units that were found manufacturing “uncertified compostable carry bags” without obtaining due approval. The Board also directed the Tangedco to disconnect power supply to the units to ensure that they do not start production again.
The closure notice was issued by the Board following a direction of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to at least four State pollution control boards, including Tamil Nadu, asking them to close 12 units that had not been authorised by it to manufacture compostable carry bags.
The units did not possess the certificate as per Rule 4(h) of Plastic Waste Management Rules, (2016), which resulted in non-compliance of the provisions.
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The list of certified manufacturers/sellers of alternative bags is available on the CPCB website. Tamil Nadu has banned 14 single use plastic items, including carry bags from January 1 this year, and a number of alternatives made from bagasse and corn starch are available in the market.
Sources in TNPCB said that the units had not been functioning during their inspection.
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No product was also available within the premises at the time of their visit, said an official source.
Plastic manufacturers and traders, however, said that the notice issued by the CPCB did not contain any details of where the samples were picked or what tests were conducted on the bags manufactured by these units.
“Though not obtaining authorisation from the CPCB is a violation of the rules, there is no need to close down the units,” said a manufacturer.