Junking plastic
the Tamil Nadu (tn) government is all set to ban non-reusable plastics. A bill that was tabled in the tn assembly recently proposes to prohibit the sale, storage, transport and use of plastic carrybags, cups, tumblers, plates, spoons, forks and knives. Once passed, it will be called the Tamil Nadu plastic articles (prohibition of sale, storage, transport and use) act, 2002. The bill has now been referred to a select committee for approval. Besides plastic products used in eateries, the bill also targets plastic wrappers used to pack magazines and periodicals.
Stiff penalties For stringent implementation, the proposed act authorises an officer-in-charge to inspect any place suspected to be violating the provisions. And flouting these rules can prove to be an expensive proposition: those found selling, storing or transporting any plastic product will be fined Rs 5,000. Usage of the banned products will lead to a fine of Rs 100. In case of plastic wrappers, the amount mentioned is Rs 1,000. The food sector contravening the provisions will have to shell out around Rs 5,000