Ambiguity in plastics ban rule leaves traders confused

The State government’s move to levy penalties against those hoarding and distributing banned plastics has put the shopkeepers and hoteliers in a fix due to the ambiguity over the phrase used in the amendment – ‘use and throw away’. Even the city Corporation officials are finding it difficult to define what constitutes ‘use and throw away’ plastic items, which has already led to allegations of harassment of traders by  civic officials.

When sought clarification, a Greater Chennai Corporation official replied: “One-time use plastics, irrespective of the micron level, are banned in the State.” Another official admitted that the word ‘etcetera’ used in the Government Order on banning the plastic items is confusing even then, and predicted that this could result in arguments between officials and traders. 

“We are still unclear about the types of banned plastic items. Even though the plastic spoons are ‘use and throw’ type, it is not in the list of 14 items,” the official pointed out. Also, even though the Corporation has controlled the circulation of plastic carry bags and plastic cups, the civic body could not control the usage of non-woven polypropylene bags, which is one of the 14 items. 

Meanwhile, though the government’s decision to approve the proposal sent by the Chennai Corporation on imposing penalties for those hoarding and distributing banned plastic materials would affect them, traders and shop owners are heaving a sigh of relief, noting that this would end arm-twisting by officials. 

“Two days ago, some officials came to my outlet in Kodambakkam zone and threatened to seize the plastic boxes which are used to pack food. Even though I tried to explain that the boxes are not listed as banned items, they threatened to seize the boxes and levy penalty of Rs. 10,000,” the owner of a famous restaurant chain said on condition of anonymity. He alleged that the officials sought money from his manager to allow them to use plastic boxes as containers.