Search the Internet          Tips

Kerala bans low-quality plastic bags

Kerala will celebrate its 46th formation day on November 1 by kicking off low-quality plastics.

A notification issued by the government has banned production; sale and use of plastic carry bags of 100 microns or less.

The government had tried to impose restrictions on the use of plastics last year, but they fell through for want of effective implementation.

This time it is determined to enforce the ban at any cost.

Official sources say the government has provided for strong punitive measures against violators. These include imprisonment of up to six months and fine up to Rs 1000 under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and disconnection of power supply to industrial units producing plastics. Magistrate courts will try the cases.

Police have been given powers to register cases and the Pollution Control Board has been asked to initiate action if plastics choke drains.

Secretaries of village panchayats, municipalities and corporations will be responsible for enforcing the ban.

District collectors and deputy superintendents of police will ensure that the ban is implemented strictly. The former can recommend action in case of violations.

The ban will be applicable to carry bags used at supermarkets, bakeries, grocery shops and other business establishments.

It will, however, not be binding on textile, jewellery and other shops, where high quality plastic bags are used. The ban will also not apply to milk pouches.

The notification says the use of plastic is growing by leaps and bounds in the state.

Thiruvananthapuram alone generates around 13 tonnes of plastic refuse every day. The annual consumption of plastic carry bags in Thiruvananthapuram is around 160 million. Markets generate 13.29 per cent of plastic wastes in the city. Households account for 5.6 per cent, hotels and restaurants 3.64 per cent and hospitals 9.13 per cent.

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report