The state government has also lined up a host of popular actors Surya, Jyothika, Vivek and Karthi as ‘brand ambassadors’ for highlighting the ill-effects of plastic. Launching a portal to spread awareness against the use of plastic and pollution caused by it, Palaniswami sought the cooperation of traders and people to ensure a plastic-free Tamil Nadu.

Coinciding with the World Environment Day on June 5, the Chief Minister had announced in the state Assembly a ban on plastic that would come into effect from January 1, 2019. Palaniswami had said use of some plastic items, including non-biodegradable bags, would be banned from January next in the interest of the environment and to ‘gift plastic-free’ state to the future generations. However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil and medical utilities would be exempted from the ban.