In the backdrop of Tamil Nadu Government’s emphasis on curbing use of plastic bags below 40 microns, as a measure to conserve environment, Federation of All Trade and Industries Association (FATIA) teamed up with the Olirum Erodu Foundation and Plastic Producers and Sellers’ Association earlier this month to remove discarded plastic materials on roads and in drains in Tirunagar Colony.
Functionaries of the three organisations led a team of volunteers to remove plastic materials clogging the drains in DMR Colony and its surroundings and enabled the residents to segregate organic and inorganic wastes.
They undertook a door-to-door campaign and sensitised the residents to the scope for utilising waste plastic to lay roads. The organisations will carry out similar initiatives to reach out to more localities, one of the functionaries said.
Last month, the district administration initiated Executive Officers of 42 town panchayats into curtailing use of plastic bags below 40 microns.
The officials were advised to rope in women self-help groups, school and college students, Lions and Rotary clubs and other service organisations, non government organisations, and traders besides public to promote use of cloth and paper bags as an alternative to plastics.
The authorities have given a stern warning to manufacturers, retailers and stockists that those found flouting the norms will be required to pay fine of Rs. 1 lakh. Local bodies have been instructed to coordinate the collective initiative by environment-conscious people and health department employees to dissuade the public from using plastic bags and cups, thermocol plates, aluminium coated use and throw plastic plates, and materials made of polypropylene.
