As part of the mission towards a ‘Plastic pollution-free Tamil Nadu’ campaign, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday said to begin with, plastic-made folders would be replaced in all government departments.
The State has roped in popular film actors to serve as the campaign’s brand ambassadors. “We face several issues due to one-time use plastic. One-time use plastic should be avoided completely to create a clean Tamil Nadu. The general public should extend their cooperation. By using alternative material for plastic, the general public could help,” Mr. Palaniswami said.
“Traders and the general public should extend complete cooperation,” he said. Starting Thursday, folders made of plastic containing government files would be replaced, he said, adding that all Ministers would be given paper-made folders.
Star power
The State has chosen actors Suriya, Jyothika, Karthi and Vivek as ambassadors for the cause.
Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, Environment Minister K.C. Karuppanan, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, Environment Secretary Md. Nasimuddin, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Secretary D. Sekar were among those present.
Based on the recommendations of the expert committee constituted by then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Mr. Palaniswami in June announced in the Assembly that a ban on one-time use plastic would be implemented from January 1, 2019.