Corporation finds illegal unit producing plastic-coated paper cups

An official said this was the first time that they found an illegal unit manufacturing plastic coated paper cup at AmbatturIndustrial area.

“We have seized six tonnes of the plastic-coated paper cup and raw materials from the unit at Samudhariya Nagar in Ambattur. We have imposed a fine of Rs 25,000,” the official said, adding that further action would be initiated only by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The official added that they have informed the district environmental engineer of the TNPCB regarding this. The official said they had been conducting raids and imposing fine on those violating the plastic ban since June 17. Now, storage, supply, transport, sale and distribution of any of the 14 banned items, including carry bags, cups or plates, would attract a fine of Rs 25,000 for the first time, Rs 50,000 the second and Rs 1 lakh the third.

Similarly, the use and distribution of such plastics in large commercial establishments, including grocery shops and pharmaceutical shops, would attract a fine of Rs 1,000 the first time, Rs 2,000 the second and Rs 5,000 the third.

For smaller traders, the fine amounts are nominal – they would be asked to pay Rs 100 the first time, Rs 200 the second and Rs 500 the third. If a person commits the breach for a fourth time, the trade licence shallbe cancelled.