Coimbatore Corporation intensifies its fight against single-use plastics by imposing hefty fines and sealing shops violating the ban which is effective from July 1, 2022.
Coimbatore: Despite the statewide ban on single-use plastics from July 1, 2022, Coimbatore continues to witness its influx, especially from other states. Local shops and restaurants often receive these items through 'door deliveries'. The city generates up to 1,250 tons of garbage daily, a significant portion of which includes banned plastics, particularly accumulating in waterways and drains.
To combat this environmental hazard, the municipal health department conducts inspections and imposes fines, ranging from Rs. 100 for small traders to up to Rs. 1 lakh for larger businesses. However, controlling the circulation of plastics remains challenging. Last year alone, 10,957 kg of plastic was seized, and fines totaling Rs. 24,57,500 were collected.
During a recent inspection on the 2nd, 188 kg of plastic was confiscated, resulting in fines of Rs. 12,81,000. Areas like Town Hall, Periyakadai Street, and Gandhipuram, with a high concentration of cloth stores, mobile phone shops, and restaurants, see the most seizures.
Environmental activists urge for stricter measures, including heavy fines and sealing of premises, to curb plastic use. Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner Sivaguru Prabhakaran stated, "To control the circulation of banned plastics, we've decided to not only impose hefty fines but also seal shops, restaurants, and stalls that violate the ban in the future."
To combat this environmental hazard, the municipal health department conducts inspections and imposes fines, ranging from Rs. 100 for small traders to up to Rs. 1 lakh for larger businesses. However, controlling the circulation of plastics remains challenging. Last year alone, 10,957 kg of plastic was seized, and fines totaling Rs. 24,57,500 were collected.
During a recent inspection on the 2nd, 188 kg of plastic was confiscated, resulting in fines of Rs. 12,81,000. Areas like Town Hall, Periyakadai Street, and Gandhipuram, with a high concentration of cloth stores, mobile phone shops, and restaurants, see the most seizures.
Environmental activists urge for stricter measures, including heavy fines and sealing of premises, to curb plastic use. Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner Sivaguru Prabhakaran stated, "To control the circulation of banned plastics, we've decided to not only impose hefty fines but also seal shops, restaurants, and stalls that violate the ban in the future."