Thiruvananthapuram: Yet another drive against use of plastic carry bags

Thiruvananthapuram: An army of students will be out on the road, yet again, to ask people to replace their plastic carry bags with cloth bags, for a payment of Rs 10. Though this was originally done as part of the green protocol training for the India vs West Indies one day cricket match on November 1, the drives will continue even after the match.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation had conducted a similar drive on last Friday, and collected Rs 10,670, every penny of which was contributed to Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

Last week Student Police Cadets, who had come for the green protocol training, were posted at Palayam, Chalai, Thampanoor, East Fort, Manacaud and Kazhakkoottam with Health Inspectors. Next week, the drive will be repeated with Student Police Cadets. Later, NSS members will also be used.

The Corporation has been handing out a notice, saying that there will be such an awareness campaign, to visitors who drop in at the main office. Earlier all plastic carry bag collection drives had focused on the retail outlets. Now, the focus is on the individual who carries it. If a bylaw that the Corporation has passed comes into effect, people can be penalised for carrying plastic bags. Up to Rs 250 can be exacted from anyone who carries the bags, according to the bylaw.