Kottayam , 25 July (H.S.): In a major crackdown on the use of banned plastic products, the Chengannur Municipality seized nearly 140 kilograms of prohibited plastic items during a surprise inspection conducted across the municipal limits. The enforcement drive was carried out jointly by the municipality's Health Department and the Internal Vigilance Wing as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with environmental regulations and reduce plastic pollution.

The inspection targeted fish markets, shops operating in and around the municipal market, supermarkets and other commercial establishments suspected of using or storing banned plastic materials. During the operation, officials recovered a large quantity of prohibited plastic carry bags along with various other single-use plastic products that have been banned under existing environmental regulations.

Municipal authorities said several commercial establishments were found violating the ban despite repeated awareness campaigns and prior warnings. Penalties were imposed on businesses found in possession of or using the prohibited plastic products, and officials warned that strict action would continue against those failing to comply with the rules.

The inspection was led by Internal Vigilance Officer G. Sunil Kumar and involved officials from multiple wings of the municipality. The enforcement team included Clean City Manager M. Habeeb, Senior Public Health Inspector C. Nisha and Suchitwa Mission Resource Person P. Aswathi, who assisted in the inspection and seizure process.

Municipal officials said the operation forms part of a broader initiative to eliminate the use of banned plastics and encourage environmentally sustainable alternatives. They reiterated that the municipality remains committed to enforcing the plastic ban and protecting public health and the environment.

Authorities also urged traders and business owners to discontinue the use of banned plastic products and switch to eco-friendly alternatives. They added that similar surprise inspections would be intensified in the coming days to ensure strict adherence to the regulations and to discourage the manufacture, storage, sale and use of prohibited single-use plastic items across the municipality.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman