THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The complete ban on plastic and non-woven polypropylene carry bags has been postponed to March 1, following opposition from traders in the city. Traders under the aegis of Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi had gathered in front of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office on Tuesday, to stage a dharna, saying it was moving towards a complete ban without any preparation. Corporation met the protestors in the morning to discuss the issue, according to health standing committee chairperson K. Sreekumar.
“Initially we had decided that the complete ban will come into effect on January 26. However, this morning it was decided that the date will be pushed to March 1, to give them time to sell off their stock,” he told DC. Many traders have bought corporation’s holograms but are now wondering what they would do with those. Some have bought the holograms, but are not sticking it on the cover, nor are they increasing the price of the plastic carry bags. Holograms were introduced so that the increased price on plastic bags would discourage people from using it.
One shopkeeper told DC that they had bought holograms for more than Rs 1 lakh, but they will now be forced to suffer a loss. When Mr Sreekumar was asked if the civic body would be ready to take back all the holograms, he said that wouldn't be possible. In the council, Valiyavila councillor M. Lakshmi asked whether the initiative will be successful as rice, pulses and such food items come in plastic packets. In reply, mayor V. K. Prasanth said this was only an initial step, and the corporation will eventually move to banning those as well.
