Peruvayal bans plastic carry bags from April 1

Regular inspections to be held in shops as part of drive

The Peruvayal grama panchayat will introduce a total ban on plastic carry bags below 50 microns from April 1. Traders who defy the ban within panchayat limits will be charged a fine of up to ₹4,000.

Panchayat president Y.V. Santha said the rule would be enforced with the support of a special checking squad. They would conduct regular inspections in all shops and commercial establishments to check violations, she added.

Ms. Santha said Peruvayal was the first local self-government institution in Kerala to come up with a stringent order to fight plastic waste menace under the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. “We have been carrying out a number of field-level activities to reduce plastic usage and recycle waste with the support of various processing units,” she said.

Panchayat vice president Kunnummal Jumaila and development standing committee chairman P.K. Sharafuddin said the rule would be applicable to all traders, including street vendors and fishers. “The panchayat has already issued guidelines to households and traders,” they said.

Dumping of waste

To fight the reckless dumping of disposable plates and glasses by those organising events, the panchayat has purchased steel plates and glasses to be rented out at reasonable rates. The panchayat authorities said the stock of steel plates and glasses would be made available in every ward.