The Dharmapuri district administration has banned the use of plastics bags below 20 microns in Hogenakkal from February 12, Collector R. Ananthakumar announced here on Wednesday. The Collector made this announcement after holding discussions with traders and petty shop owners in Hogenakkal. Ecology Addressing the traders, he said it was the duty of every citizen and tourists to keep the environment clean. Due to indiscriminate use of plastics, the ecology was being disturbed when it was burnt along with garbage. Plastics also affected the fertility of the soil, he said. Mr. Ananthakumar said that the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court gave its directions to adhere to the specifications laid down in the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 as amended by the Centre in 2003. The traders and petty shop owners assured the Collector that they would avoid use of plastics in the tourist destination.