Traders in city confused

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ambiguity in the government order regarding the sales of plastic carry bags is creating utter confusion among people, especially merchants.  According to merchants, it is said that the use of plastic has been banned by the government, but the government order in this regard says that Chlorine-free plastic bags above 40 microns can be used. This is creating confusion among the customers and traders, who suspect that the use of any plastic material may invite legal action. According to the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi Kothuwal Street unit president Kalady Aji, the ban on plastic carry bags is creating confusion among traders. ‘’We are being told that the sales of plastic carry bags has been banned. But the government order in this regard is vague and does not properly mention the specifications of the material that has been banned. Besides, the order does not deal with various other plastic products like bags, food sheets and leaves. This has left the traders in a state of confusion,’’ he said. Aji also asked the government to come clear on the issue and make clarifications on the ban order. The Samithi leaders said that the documents obtained by the RTI make it clear that use of plastic bags of thickness above 40 microns is permissible. The minimum dimension of such bags should be 30 cm x 20 cm and they should be devoid of Chlorine content. They also claimed that bags made out of clothes are less preferred by customers.”Plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives. Various commodities, ranging from domestic utensils to surgical equipment, are made out of plastic. So, it is senseless to purge plastic from our daily lives. What we can do is to create awareness among the users not to dispose them in public places,” Samithi secretary Mohammed Sidheek said.