Seizure of banned plastic products continues in Tirunelveli

TIRUNELVELI: The Corporation officials, who are continuing their action against manufacturing, stocking and selling use-and-throw plastic products, including thin plastic bags and plastic cups, have seized the banned products weighing over 100 kg in 24 hours.

As there is a ban on manufacture, stocking, sale and use of plastic bags under 40 micron in thickness, the Corporation, through repeated notifications, has instructed traders to follow the rule.

When a team of officials of Thatchanallur Zone, led by Health Inspector Porchelvan, organised a surprise check in shops in Thatchanallur, Karaiyiruppu and North Bypass Road areas on Tuesday evening, they seized the banned plastic bags and cups, weighing about 50 kg.

Led by Assistant Commissioner (Melapalayam Zone) Kavitha, the Corporation personnel raided the shops in Perumalpuram on Wednesday morning and seized the plastic products, weighing over 50 kg.

“We’ll initiate legal action against those who are stocking or using the banned plastic products, which pose a serious threat to the environment and clog drainage channels and affect groundwater table,” said S. Sivasubramanian, Commissioner of Tirunelveli Corporation.

After he assumed office here, Mr. Sivasubramanian, based on a resolution passed in the Corporation Council meeting earlier, banned the manufacture, stocking, sale and use of carry bags and plastic cups within the city limits and organised frequent checks in the shops of wholesale traders. He seized a few tonnes of banned products within three months, and the traders desisted from violating the instruction from the urban civic body.

As circulation of the banned plastic products started again, the officials have intensified raids.

“The Corporation’s action against the banned plastic products will not stop until the traders switch over to paper or cloth bags,” Mr. Sivasubramanian said.