No ban on flex boards,some curbs to remain

Ban stands for government functions, advertisements

Accepting the report of a subcommittee, the Cabinet on Wednesday decided to relax the ban proposed on flex boards.

Accordingly, restrictions will remain on the use of flex boards that could cause health and environmental problems. However, a total ban will be held in abeyance, considering the interests of entrepreneurs and workers engaged in the business of flex boards. Instead, the ban will be enforced in phases.

An official release said the following restrictions would apply in the use of flex boards:

No flex boards would be allowed to be used for advertisements and campaigns without permission from local self-governments. The local bodies should remove flex boards put up without authorisation under provisions of Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules.

Use of flex boards would stand banned for government functions and advertisements. This would be applicable to all government institutions.

Use of flex boards in public places would require special permission, and they should not cause any hindrance to traffic.

Billboards, notices, and flex boards fixed on electric posts without authorisation would be removed. However, advertisements of fixed size on painted metal claddings would be permitted. Advertisers should approach the Clean Kerala Company for this.

Local self-governments should issue licences for setting up flex boards for specific periods. The boards should carry the expiry date, name of licence holder, and number. Flex boards would be allowed only at specified places and should be removed before date of expiry of the licences. Fresh licences would not be given to persons violating the conditions.

The boards should be returned to the advertisement agency or printer for recycling. Advertisement agencies or those installing the boards would be responsible for compliance. Flex boards should not be fixed to trees using nails.

The Cabinet had earlier decided to impose a total ban on flex boards. However, the decision was reviewed in view of protests by flex board makers and workers, and a Cabinet subcommittee comprising Aryadan Mohammed, Manjalamkuzhi Ali, and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was constituted to look into the matter in detail.