Ban on single-use plastic from January 1 in Kerela

In a bid to aid businesses to make eco-friendly bags to counter the harmful effects of plastics, the Kerela Government Thursday took the initiative to ban the use of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2020, a government press release said.

This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

After taking into account the environmental and health issues caused by plastic waste; thermocol, carry bags and sheets, cooling films, and plastic plates have been banned by the government.

"Single-use plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, straws, stirrers, bowls, plastic flags, water pouches, juice packs, pet bottles (under 300 ml), plastic garbage bags, PVC flex materials, plastic packets, among others have been banned," PTI quoted Vijayan as saying.

He also said that the 'manufacturers', 'wholesale or retail dealers' will have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 for violating the ban. The fine will be hiked up to Rs 25,000 if the above-mentioned dealers or manufacturers are found committing the offence again.

However, if the same offence is committed the third time, their business license will be revoked and a fine of Rs 50,000 will be imposed on that particular business enterprise.

The government has bestowed the responsibility to inflict punishment to all District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Pollution Control Board-appointed officials.

The Kerela Government has also decided to set aside 5% of the land in industrial parks for waste management and recycling.