JOIN US The ban on plastic is slowly gaining momentum with Hassan City Municipal Council (CMC) coming forward to make the city plastic-free from May 10.
Addressing a press meet, here, on Tuesday, CMC president H S Anil Kumar said, the council had decided to enforce the plastic ban and the city would be made plastic and flex-free from May 10.
With the Supreme Court directing to stop the usage of plastic items recently, the district administration has decided to enforce the ban on plastic to maintain cleanliness in the city.
Notices have already been served to vendors selling plastic bags, cups and others. The officials have been raiding shops for the past two days at Chikkangadi, Doddangadi Beedhis, Hunasinakere Layout and other areas and have seized plastic articles worth Rs 20 lakh.
The shops that were shut during the raid have been sealed. By the end of this month, the city will be totally plastic-free, he added.
Flex boards
The flex boards that have turned into an eyesore in the city will be removed. Discussions have already been held with flex board manufacturers, who have been directed to find an alternative. If flex boards are erected for any purpose, they will be removed by the CMC employees. Steps will be taken to levy fine on the violators, Kumar warned.
A decision will be taken soon on removing huge advertisement hoardings at Mahaveer Circle and other vantage points, he added.
Name board
In an effort to guide people visiting the city from other places, tenders have been invited for erecting name boards at prominent places. As the MCC received a single tender, it has been forwarded to the deputy commissioner for approval. Soon, the city will have name boards at eight places at an estimated cost of Rs 82 lakh, he said.
Chinnara Mela
For the first time, the CMC will organise ‘Chinnara Mela’, a summer camp for children from April 20. The camp will be held for 15 days from 9 am to 5 pm, Kumar said.
Artistes from ‘Neenasam’ will attend the camp and train the children. Besides, the children will be taught mask making, painting, drawing, magic, dance and music. Makkala Santhe, screening of films and others will also be organised.
The total cost for conducting the camp is expected to be Rs 6 lakh, which will be borne by the CMC. Only 200 children will get the opportunity to attend the camp. Interested may pay Rs 10 and enrol, Kumar added.