Minister Siva welcomes Centre’s ban on plastic

Salem: Environment minister Siva V Meyyanathan on Saturday welcomed the Union government’s ban on plastic. “We could completely eradicate the use of plastic in the state, as the arrival of the same from other states will now stop.”
Pointing out that the state had banned 14 types of plastics in 2019, he said officials were struggling to control their arrival from other states.
“The officials have seized 1,177 tonnes of plastic materials from across the state and closed 174 plastic material manufacturing units, while collecting a fine of Rs105 crore from the violators.”
The minister was in the city to inspect Tirumanimutharu river, which is filled with sewage water. He said the river would be restored to its original condition in two years.
“Steps are being taken prevent dyeing units from releasing effluents into the river. An effluent treatment plant would be set up on 100 acres soon. The Salem Municipal Corporation is, meanwhile, planning to set up three new sewage water treatment plants in the city.”
The minister was accompanied by Salem MP S R Parthiban, Salem North MLA S Rajendran, collector S Karmegam and mayor A Ramachandran.