Kerala bans single use plastic from Jan 1

Published : Nov 23, 2019, 12:05 AM IST

The Kerala government decided to ban single-use plastic products from January one. The decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Government, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday, decided to ban the manufacturing, sale and storage of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2020.

"Strict action will be taken against those who violate the Prohibition Act, 1986. Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Pollution Control Board Officers, Local Government Secretaries and Central Government appointed officials under the Environmental Protection Act are entitled to take action," the government said in a release.

As per the decision, plastic manufacturers, wholesalers and small sellers who violate the law can be fined Rs 10,000 for the first time and Rs 25,000 for violating the law again.

"Failure to comply with the law will result in a fine of Rs 50,000 and cancellation of working permit. This has been vested in local authority secretaries and pollution control board officials," the release said.

Regardless of thickness, carry bag, sheets, cooling film, plates, cups, thermocol and styrofoam, cups, plates, spoons, forks, straws, dishes, stirrers, flags, water pouches, juice packets, drinking pet bottles, garbage bag, PVC Flux Materials and packets made of plastic are banned.

However, plastic manufactured for export, plastics used in the health care industry, and materials made from compostable plastics are exempted from the ban.

According to Extended Producers Responsibility Plan, Beverages Corporation, KeralaFed, Milma and Kerala Water Authority are obliged to pay back the plastic bottles and covers sold by the consumers.

As per the solid waste management rules of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, five per cent of the land in industrial parks should be earmarked for waste management and recycling. The Department of Industry will promote units that produce eco-friendly bags instead of that made of plastic.

The Kerala government had appointed an expert technical committee to advise on how to control the use of plastic substances and based on the recommendations made by the committee, the decision was taken. The government has also banned the use of flux boards in the state as well.

Also Read: Plastic being used for construction of benches and walls in HP

As per the decision, plastic manufacturers, wholesalers and small sellers who violate the law can be fined Rs 10,000 for the first time and Rs 25,000 for violating the law again.

However, plastic manufactured for export, plastics used in the health care industry, and materials made from compostable plastics are exempted from the ban.

According to Extended Producers Responsibility Plan, Beverages Corporation, KeralaFed, Milma and Kerala Water Authority are obliged to pay back the plastic bottles and covers sold by the consumers.

Also Read: Plastic being used for construction of benches and walls in HP

Intro:Body:

Kerala bans single use plastic from Jan 1

Thiruvanathapuram: The Kerala government decided to ban single use plastic products from January 1, 2020. The decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The decision has been made in the wake of realisation that abandoned plastic materials growing into a major environmental and health hazard, a statement from Chief Minister's Office said.

Here are the items that have been banned: Plastic carry bag, table top plastic sheet, cooling film, use and throw cups, plates, spoons and forks, ornamental items made using styrofoam and thermocool, stirrers, paper cups with plastic coating, non woven bags, plastic flags, plastic bunting, plastic water pouches, plastic juice packets, PET bottles for drinking(below 300ml), plastic garbage bags etc.

Here are the exempted items: Plastic used in pharma industries. As per the extended producers' responsibility plan, Beverages Corporation, Milma are already obliged to buy back the plastic bottles and covers from consumers.

A fine of Rs 10,000 will be slapped on manufactures, wholesalers and small traders who defy the ban. If the ban is violated for a second time, the fine will be Rs 25,000. A third violation will invite closure and a fine of Rs 50,000.

Conclusion:

TAGGED:

Kerala Government

Pinarayi Vijayan

Environmental Protection Act

Single-use plastic

plastic banned in Kerala

Kerala bans single use plastic from Jan 1

The Kerala government decided to ban single-use plastic products from January one. The decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

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