Coimbatore: The Coimbatore corporation, selected under the smart city scheme, is now on its way to be declared a ‘complete plastics-free city’. As a first step towards that, the city corporation here has imposed a blanket ban on all types of plastic carry bags which have less than 50 micron thickness within its limits from May 1.
According to the corporation commissioner, K. Vijayakarthikeyan, besides plastic carry bags, use of plastic sheets, multi-layer plastic covers, disposable plates and glasses and packaged commodities will also be banned in the city.
He said fines will be imposed on those shops and outlets which do not comply with the ban. Other corporation officials said they organised raids in various parts of the city on Tuesday.
Nearly five tonnes of polythene bags were seized from the godowns and manufacturing units in Raja Street and Thomas Street.
The corporation has formed a number of special squads to conduct such raids across the city to seize plastic carry bags and issue notices to shop owners who are involved in violation of the ban.
Despite repeated warning by health experts, usage of the plastic bags is increasing in the city. With an aim to put a permanent solution to the plastics menace, the corporation is planning to introduce eco-friendly alternatives in its place.
