State to rehabilitate small plastic units after ban

At the time when the plastic ban in the state is threatening the livelihood of large number of plastic manufacturers, state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar on Sunday said that the government will rehabilitate all the micro, small and medium scale plastic manufacturers, after the ban is implemented.

Jayakumar along with party cadre visited Otteri, where some huts got torched on Saturday and consoled the people. He also coordinated the work of distribution of relief materials to the people who had lost their belongings in the fire accident.

When asked about the loss of livelihood to small scale plastic manufacturers after the enforcement of ban on plastics, Jayakumar said, “State government is looking into alternatives. All the small-scale plastic manufacturers will be rehabilitated and people who are into the business need not worry.”

He also said that plastic ban is implemented for the good of people, animals and for the environment. “Once when a carcass of a sperm whale was operated 150 plastic tumblers and 15 plastic water bottles were found inside the stomach. This is just a sample and many such species are affected due to plastics,” said Jayakumar.

He further said that plastics have occupied almost all the areas of our life and when we throw it away the animals happen to eat it. “Even the banana leaves have turned into plastics in our houses and when we dispose it, the cows eat it,” said Jayakumar.

He also said that plastic covers chock the drainages and water channels and prevent free flow. “Due to plastic covers water harvesting could not be done effectively,” said Jayakumar.

He further said that not all types of plastics are banned by the state government. “Only 14 types of plastics are banned and plastics like buckets are not banned. Even the High Court went a step ahead and suggested the state government to ban all plastics,” he added.

He further appealed that plastic ban is for the people and people should cooperate for the eradication of single use plastics from the state.

When asked about the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state, in late January, he said that everyone has a party and they wish to develop their party through frequent visits. “Modi apart from being a Prime Minister is also the leader of the BJP and his visits are to strengthen his party. I do not want to comment further on his visits,” said Jayakumar.