Chennai to enforce ban on thin plastic bags from August 15

Chennai plans to strictly enforce a total ban on thin plastic bags that are less than 40 microns in thickness with effect from Independence Day and, while it would be a laudable step, it is anybody’s guess how successful it would be.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 14 August 2015.

Chennai produces 429 tonnes of plastic waste per day and stands second only to Delhi that generates 689 tonnes. In the Swatchh Bharat rankings that the ministry of urban development has recently released, Chennai is placed at 61 among 476 cities.
Corporation of Chennai has indicated that the ban on plastic has been in force but local bodies will now increase enforcement so that it ensures compliance with the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. Under this rule, it is not permitted to use any plastic of thickness less than 40 microns.
However, the plastic industry is worried. Chennai Plastic Manufactures and Merchants Association says that a complete ban on plastic is impractical. This is because there are more than 10,000 plastic manufacturers in the state. They generate direct and indirect employment for many thousands of people. If a total ban is introduced, it would affect them adversely.
It is a well-known fact that plastic pollution is harmful to the environment and, if a ban has to really be introduced, the authorities need to work out how best to rehabilitate those who depend on plastic bags for livelihood. (Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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