Corporation collects Rs 15L fine for 251 tonnes of plastics in one week

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the civic body raided 1,96,102 shops and commercial establishments from January 1, when the ban came into effect, to June 24. “During the raids, we have seized more than 251 tonnes of banned plastic items,” the official said.

He added that a fine amount of Rs 15.42 lakh was collected in one week from shop owners who violated the rule. Even though the raids are conducted every day, many shops and hotels continue to use and distribute plastic carry bags.

“When I bought food from a hotel in Choolaimedu, on Monday, they gave the parcel in a plastic carry bag. I don’t think that the officials are taking enough action to curb the use of banned plastic items,” a resident of Kodambakkam said.

However, Chennai Corporation officials claimed that they are conducting raids at shops and storage facilities to curb the distribution of banned items and added that they have some difficulties in organising raids.

“While going for the raids, we need labours to help seize and transport the seized items. We are short of labours, which discourages us from raiding storage facilities of wholesale dealers,” he said.

The official also pointed out that many shops, especially hotels, are using silver coated plastic covers to pack food items. These covers are also banned in the State. “Hotel owners are using such covers thinking that they are made up of aluminium fold.”

Greater Chennai Corporation would slap a penalty of Rs 25,000 to Rs 500 on commercial establishments depending on the extent and size of the shops. The State government has banned the manufacture, use and supply of 14 types of one-time use plastics in Tamil Nadu.