Plastic vendors launch indefinite strike in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Plastic vendors launched an indefinite strike in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday alleging that the state government had not given them enough time before implementing the plastic ban.
Stating that they need at least five to seven years to make the complete switch, George Town Plastic Traders Association secretary S Balaji said the traders would be on an indefinite strike till the government listened to them. “We were not involved in any discussions. None of our suggestions were considered. All of us have taken loans worth several crores of rupees from banks. How can we shift business within six months,” he asked.

Vanigar Sangam president Vikram Raja said he would make an announcement on Wednesday on the decisions taken by the traders’ body.

“Our demand is simple. We need time and the government should give us extension. Most of the products mentioned on the list are recyclable,” said A Ibrahim, a trader.

Ibrahim said local body officials were confused on the plastic products banned and not banned.

The vendors are planning to meet Chennai Corporation commissioner D Karthikeyan on Wednesday and seek clarification on the plastic products banned.

Former president of Tamil Nadu Plastic Manufacturers’ Association B Swaminathan, who is currently the chairman of the association’s environment committee, told TOI that the government had banned products that were not part of the government order. “We will fight this legally. Our major issue is that we were neither consulted nor considered for suggestions. They say hot food consumed on plastic covers cause cancer. Even milk is packed when it is hot. Why is that not banned,” he asked.

“The government is supporting corporates and allowing packaging material that cannot be recycled at all. We will fight this battle legally now,” said Swaminathan.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground was not any different. Plastic bags were seen in markets, temples and other outlets. However, roadside shops shifted to banana leaves. Many restaurants used cloth bags.