On Duty: Transport Minister K. N. Nehru distributing pamphlets to traders in Gandhi Market in Tiruchi on Tuesday. Mayor Sarubala R. Tondaiman is seen. TIRUCHI: The ban on production and use of plastics below 20 microns in thickness will come into effect in the City from September 1. Ahead of enforcing the ban, the Corporation organised an awareness rally in the city on Tuesday to sensitise the people on the ban. The rally was taken out from the Gandhi Market via Big Bazaar Street, N. S. B Road, Nandhi Kovil Street to reach St. Joseph's College campus near Chathram Bus Stand. The rally route was chosen to promote awareness among traders, textile shops and other commercial establishments in the city's main commercial hub, the major consumers and distribution points of plastic bags. A large number of students from various educational institutions, Corporation officials and sanitary workers marched in the rally carrying placards highlighting the harmful effects of plastics. They also distributed pamphlets to traders and the public announcing the ban. Transport Minister K. N. Nehru flagged off the rally and distributed the pamphlets to a few shopkeepers. Mayor Sarubala R. Todaiman, Deputy Mayor M. Anbazhagan, Corporation Commissioner T. T. Balsamy, and officials of the Corporation participated in the rally. The Corporation Council, on April 30 this year, had adopted a resolution banning plastics on the grounds of maintaining public health and sanitation. The Corporation had then announced that residents and commercial establishments would be given about three months time before the ban was enforced in the City. The ban would apply to plastic bags, cups/tumblers and plastic coated plates, all below 20 microns in thickness. Consumers using the banned plastic products, retail and wholesale traders and manufacturers of plastics would be liable to pay penalties. Rs.5,000 for manufacturers; Rs.2,500 for wholesale traders, Rs.750 for retailers and Rs.100 for consumers would be collected. Commissioner T. T. Balsamy said the awareness campaign, by way of distribution of pamphlets through the Corporation health and sanitary workers, would continue in other parts of the City.