Chennai: The state government on Friday announced it would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to “gift a plastic-free” state to future generations. Chief Minister K. Palaniswami’s announcement in the Assembly coincided with International Environment Day.
The ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of items such as plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws and carry bags will come into effect from January 1, 2019, the CM said.
The ban would cover these plastic articles irrespective of their micron size. However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil and medical equipment will be exempted from the ban, he added.
He also said former chief minister Jayalalithaa had earlier constituted an expert panel to go into the issue of banning plastic products. That panel had suggested banning disposable plastic products, including bags, plates and cups, and recommended that traditional items such as plantain leaves and plates made of palm leaves be used, Palaniswami said.
He listed out the adverse impact posed by the plastic materials. He said the government has decided to ban manufacture, sale, storage and use of disposable plastic in the state from January next year under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
