Coimbatore : With Tamil Nadu bracing for a total plastic ban on one-time use plastic bags from January 1, 2019, practical issues remain unresolved for the common man who will be adversely affected by the well-meant ban.
Coimbatore : With Tamil Nadu bracing for a total plastic ban on one-time use plastic bags from January 1, 2019, practical issues remain unresolved for the common man who will be adversely affected by the well-meant ban.
"As a spin-off of a total ban on disposable bags which is being extensively used in restaurants and eateries, there would be a compulsion to go in for alternatives to plastics and this might trigger rise in prices of take-away food items in the days to come," opine consumers in the city.
Even though the Hoteliers Association with over 180 members have announced that price concessions would be given to those who bring utensils to buy parcel foods, the measures have not gone down well with consumers, till date.
According to R. Balachandar, the Secretary of the Association, “It is simply not possible for office goers and those who travel to carry utensils with them to buy food. Only residents who live in close vicinity to the hotel will carry utensils to buy food".
He also proposed that "We have to solve the problem of hike in price for takeaways only after holding talks with the Government. A surge in price cannot be avoided, as alternatives to plastics is 5x times expensive over plastic disposable bags.”
Manoj, a city-based social activist points, "The Government should plan ways to reduce the burden on the common man, due to plastic ban. Subsidies on biodegradable bags which will flood the market soon after the plastic ban should be announced".
"Going for low-cost package items would be the only alternative left for hoteliers but they need government support to achieve this,” adds Manoj.
"Perhaps, the government should have put to use low cost alternatives for plastic, before the plan. Without which, the implementation process will not be effective,” noted Manoj.
"Even as paper bags, bags made from corn and sugarcane bags could be used, it should be made available for the common man at a cheaper rate through Government subsidies for the manufacturers," opine consumers who are expected to be affected by the price rise of packed foods and other packed items in the State.