With several plastic manufacturing associations stating that they were not ready for the ban and wanted an extension, the minister said that there would not be any extension and action would be taken against all violators.“We are in discussion on what penalties would be levied on residents using plastic bags and other banned plastic products. It has not been finalised, yet,” he said.
He stated that implementing the ban will not be that difficult as awareness campaigns and several workshops on alternative products had been held region wise in all districts in the past few months.“More than 500 people including representatives from industries, plastic manufacturing associations, residential welfare associations and other officials were pert of thee workshops and conferences. We are aiming at behavioural change among people and have received good response from various districts as many have already shifted to alternative products.”
Members of the Chennai plastic manufacturers association met the minister and gave their petitions seeking an appointment with them. “All our machinery and investment will go waste. The government did not consult with us or seek our opinion before taking this step,” said S Muthu Maari, the president of the association.
Collectors, district forest officers and superintendent of police of five districts - Chennai, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Tiruvannamali, Kancheepuram and Cuddalore were present at the event. The regional coordinators for the plastic ban were also present at the event. The awareness workshops will end on December 28 after which the government will get ready for the implemenation, said Karupannan.
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