Environmentalists in Coimbatore have urged the Tamil Nadu government to revive strict enforcement against single-use plastics and take steps to protect water bodies from plastic waste.
They recalled that during the previous AIADMK regime, shops were subjected to surprise inspections, banned items were seized and fines were imposed, which helped reduce usage. They said even TASMAC bars hesitated to use such products during that period.
According to activists, plastic use has resurfaced under the DMK government. They pointed to the “Meendum Manjal Pai” initiative, under which bags were sold for Rs 10 and vending machines were installed in some places, but said the machines later became defunct due to poor maintenance and the programme remained largely a publicity exercise.
With enforcement weakening, they said plastic covers are now routinely used for food parcels, and discarded waste ends up in sewage channels and water bodies. They demanded that the ban on producing, selling and using non-essential plastic items be re-implemented, with business licences cancelled for repeat violators.
Selvaraj, founder of the Kousika Neer Karangal organisation, said production of plastic items beyond essential needs should be prohibited, alternatives should be promoted, and the government must create public awareness.
