They have decided not to give plastic bags for free to customers and instead encourage them to use cloth bags Traders in Vellore are doing their bit for conserving environment. They have decided not to give plastic bags free to customers, and have started to encourage them to bring cloth bags. The havoc wreaked by the north east monsoon in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Cuddalore districts has taught a lesson for all, they say. “The storm water drains were clogged resulting in absence of water flow. The blockages were caused primarily by plastic bags. We decided to take steps to reduce use of plastic among public to conserve the environment,” R.B. Gnanavelu, district secretary, Tamil Nadu Vannigar Sangangalin Peramaippu said. The association handed over boards with a message to conserve environment and water for the future generation and that plastic bags will no longer be given free of cost to customers. A total of 500 boards were distributed. They were put up in shops located at Long Bazaar, Commissary Bazaar, Rotikara Street and Chunnambukara Street. These included textile outlets, pharmacies, hardware stores and grocery stores. “This initiative of putting up boards is primarily to create awareness among public on the ill effects of plastic. We will distribute these boards first in Vellore, and then to other parts of the district,” he added. He said traders will encourage customers to bring cloth bags when they come to the shops. “We will inform them that the next time they fail to bring cloth bags to the shop, they will be charged for the plastic bags,” he said. The Vellore Corporation had earlier asked traders to stop use of plastic bags less than 40 microns thick that had been banned a few years ago. Mr. Gnanavelu said the traders’ body had already informed shopkeepers to stop use of plastic bags less than 40 microns thick.