Plastics Bill Banning Non-Reusable Plastics for Select Panel

The Hindu 9may02

Chennai -- The government today decided to refer the Bill on banning all non-reusable plastics to a select committee.

This was announced by the Chief Minister, Jayalalitha, in the Assembly, after she heard political parties, which demanded phased elimination of plastics materials. The industries minister, S.M Veluswamy moved a motion referring the Bill to a select Committee

While members welcomed the lofty motive behind the Government move, they however, expressed an apprehension that any indiscriminate ban would have an adverse impact. In her speech the Chief Minister said the purpose of the Bill is to protect environment as used plastics materials thrown everywhere, had accumulated and piled up like mountains.

Burning of plastics for disposal led to emission of toxins. Also instances of wild and domestic animals dying after swallowing plastics were many.

To say that society cannot live without plastics is acceptable. Disposal of used plastics material was a major problem especially in tourist spots, pilgrim centres and major cities. These non-biodegradable materials were causing serious environment and health problems. As the government has the duty to protect environment and ecology, the Bill was moved and had no intention of harassing manufacturers and users of plastic items.

Taking into consideration of the possible plight of manufacturers and workers, the Chief Minister said the government wanted to give sufficient time for producers to switch to other industries and for employees to find alternate jobs. Besides an awareness campaign would be launched against plastics.

Ms. Jayalalitha solicited the cooperation of all members towards achieving the objective. The societal reform campaign alone would save Tamilnadu from the all-pervading reach of plastics, she said.

The Government was aware that it was not possible to bring about a change at once. Hence it would introduce the ban in a phased manner; first in Corporations then in Municipalities and Town panchayats and finally in panchayats.