Thiruvananthapuram corporation raids: 12 tonnes of plastic carry bags seized

Thiruvananthapuram: The City Corporation conducted an intense anti-plastic raid and seized around 12 tonnes of plastic carry bags from around 20 major traders at East Fort on Saturday. The biggest of the offenders was Ramachandran textiles. A massive quantity of branded plastic bags was found from their godown at Pazhavangadi early in the morning. The raid was strategically timed ahead of the long weekend when maximum shoppers were expected to be given plastic covers.

“Sales for school goodies are in progress at these shops across East Fort. Despite repeated orders they continue to stock and sell goods in plastic carry bags. The haul on Saturday was the biggest ever that the Corporation conducted,” said an official. The city Corporation had banned plastic carry bags including non-woven poly propelyene bags starting March 1.

“We had given them options to dispose the bags in their godown. Exhibitions were conducted educating them about alternatives. However, bigger commercial institutions are consciously attempting to sabotage the ban. Repeated offenders will have their licences cancelled very soon,” Mayor VK Prasanth said in a strong worded statement. The seized plastic carry bags will now be sent to recycling facilities in a neighbouring state through contractors.