Plastics ban: Experts seek revival of traditional practices

However, botanists hint that the Bahunia (Mandarai) leaves are common in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, and it’s high time to promote the produce as it is one of the feasible alternates for plastics.

“The ban on plastics will suffer without a breakthrough as there are no clarity in alternates. However, by revisiting our traditional practices, the demand for plastics can be eradicated,” opined retired botany professor D Narasmihan, who is also an expert in floristic research.

Besides Mandarai, there were also other leaves that were used for packing and for dining purposes. Leaves of Sal, Areca and Banyan are also in use and this practise should be reintroduced.

Mandarai is prolific plant and this can also be promoted in the shady areas of Tamil Nadu for more commercial exploration, he added.

“The massive jump in demand for the Bahunia (Mandarai) leaves has forced the traders to look out for other options. Going by Newton’s third law, the ban on plastics by the Tamil Nadu government has increased the demand for Bahunia and Areca (Pakku) leaves. It is high time that the State takes efforts to increase the acreage of these plants,” said professor Sai Saraswathi, a member of Nature Club, VIT.