Kollam: Kollam becomes the first district to implement complete plastic ban in all of its Local Self Government Departments in the State. The district collector has announced the ban on plastic bags below 50 microns starting from Saturday. The ban is based on the Center’s Plastic Management Act of 2016 and the circular issued by the state government. All four municipalities, 68 grama panchayats, and the Kollam Corporation has issued order regarding the ban, said Suchitwa Mission district coordinator G. Krishnakumar.
The local self government departments (LSGD) have been entitled with implementing the ban of plastic carry bags under 50 microns under its jurisdiction in accordance with the plastic waste management laws. The traders , including street vendors using plastic carry bags complying with the prescribed thickness, should register with these departments by paying Rs 4000 a month as plastic waste maintenance charges. The traders using plastic carry bags as per the prescribed norms should display that the cost of such bags will be charged from the customer.
The administration will also conduct intensive raids in all institutions under the LSGDs to prevent use of banned plastic bags. The district suchithwa mission has sensitised over 500 Kudumbasree neighbourhood groups to hit the markets with eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. These units eye on minting money by starting production units of paper and cloth bags across the district to fill the gap of plastic carry bags. According to an order issued by the National Green Tribunal in December 2016, those persons at the helm of LSGDs will be responsible for the violation of plastic ban under their jurisdiction.
