Sat Jan 04 18:33:34 UTC 2025: ## Six Years After Ban, Single-Use Plastics Persist in Chennai’s Koyambedu Market

**Chennai, January 5, 2025** – Despite a six-year ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) in Tamil Nadu, the Koyambedu Wholesale Market, one of Asia’s largest, continues to see widespread use of banned plastic bags and covers. A recent investigation reveals that while larger businesses have largely complied, street vendors and small shops struggle with enforcement and the lack of affordable, accessible alternatives.

The ban, implemented in 2019, aimed to address the environmental and health hazards posed by plastic waste. While initiatives like the “Meendum Manjappai” campaign, promoting reusable cloth bags, have been launched, challenges remain. A 2024 study by the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) found that the high cost and limited availability of alternatives are major obstacles to switching away from plastic. Vendors cite customer demand and low profit margins as reasons for continued reliance on SUPs.

While the ban has shown some success in eliminating certain products, like water packets and thermocol plates, the persistence of plastic covers and the rise in pre-packaged goods pose a significant problem. The issue extends beyond street vendors; the study highlights the role of large corporations in flooding the market with cheap, non-recyclable plastic packaging. Experts call for a shift in focus from consumer responsibility to addressing the production and supply chain of plastics, including stricter regulations on pellet and polymer manufacturing.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) reports closing 240 plastic manufacturing units since the ban, with many switching to eco-friendly alternatives. However, the inflow of plastic from neighboring states remains a challenge. The TNPCB and the government acknowledge the complexities of enforcing the ban, advocating for a multi-pronged approach including increased awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement, and government support for the transition to sustainable alternatives for small businesses. Successful initiatives like the plastic checkpoint in Ramanathapuram, which repurposes collected plastic for road construction, offer promising models for future implementation. Experts suggest that a more comprehensive approach, involving multiple government agencies and addressing the entire supply chain, is needed for lasting change.

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