Pondy CM for more awareness on sensible use of plastics

Speaking at a function organised by the Science and Environment Department of the territorial administration to mark the World Environmental Day celebrations here on Wednesday evening, the Chief Minister said environment protection could be done only with the cooperation of the people.

He said the urban people after drinking tea used to dump the plastic glasses into the drainage which lead to its choking and the legislators will have to take steps to clean it. This happens due to the lack of awareness among the people, he added.

Narayanasamy said when his government took the initiative to ban plastic here, the manufacturers and their workers met him and lamented that their livelihood would be affected.Hence, steps would be taken to eradicate plastic without giving much trouble to the manufacturers and their workers, he said.

The Chief Minister said his government is paying Rs 2 crore a month to clear garbage.It is the duty of the people to keep their environment clean since, they could lead a disease-free life in a clean environment, the Chief Minister added.

Stating that the Central government is providing 40 percent subsidy to fix solar panels in houses, the Chief Minister called upon the people to opt for this scheme.

A sum of Rs 1,300 crore is being spent for electricity in a year and if solar panels were fixed a considerable amount in power purchasing head could be saved, he said.

The government will also be able to provide power to the consumers at a lower rate, Narayanasamy said.

As part of the Environment Day celebrations, the Eden Beach was cleaned.Environment Minister M Kandasamy, Director, Science and Environment Department Ravi Prakash, legislators —Jayamurthy and Aanatharaman and others took part in the function.