Fine amounting to more than ₹3.5 lakh was collected in a month and a half as inspections were tightened in Kannur to prevent the sale and use of single-use plastic products.
Inspections were conducted in 3,724 institutions under the leadership of local self-governing institutions during this period. A fine of ₹3,74,700 was collected from 2,646 institutions where violations were noticed.
A special team of local body secretary, assistant secretary, and health inspector was formed, and the inspections are to be conducted thrice in a month.
Inspection were conducted in 31 panchayats in the district. Chirakkal grama panchayat collected a maximum fine of ₹35,000 from 102 institutions. Cherukunnu panchayat conducted maximum number of inspections, and collected ₹8,600 from 168 institutions.
Local Self-Government Department Joint Director T.J. Arun informed that the action was initiated after conducting an awareness campaign against single-use plastics.
The department of Local Self-Government has started the process of bringing alternative products to the market, Mr. Arun added.
