The plastic-free concept is yet to take root in Thripunithura as many shops continue to provide plastic carry bags which are below the specification of 50 microns.

However, the municipality is pursuing the concept by providing an alternative with cloth bags. While the local body had made a beginning by appealing to all traders to evolve a plastic-free culture in November last year, the response from the latter, though enthusiastic on paper, had been lukewarm.

Municipal chairperson R. Chandrika Devi told The Hindu that it had been found that the response of people also had to be ensured to make the venture a success. For this, steps have been taken to provide an alternative to people as well as traders, she said.

More than 80 persons from all the 49 wards in the municipality have been given training in stitching cloth bags, and each of them has been asked to set up a cloth bag Kudumbasree unit that provides the bags to households to begin with.

Vice chairman O.V. Salim said several raids had been conducted at trading units, and plastic bags had been confiscated. While no fine was charged initially, a penalty is now being imposed if the banned plastic carry bags are found being used.

“The civic body is yet to work out on the charge that should be levied since there is a question of providing an alternative,” said Mr. Salim.

Once the cloth bag initiative is launched, a hefty sum will be charged if traders use plastic bags of any size. The 50-micron limit does not help bring down the load of plastic carry bags, he added.

Moreover, people will be provided bags by various Kudumbasree units that will take up the project. The initiative is also aimed at creating awareness among people about carrying a bag for shopping. The municipality will be launching a bag making unit soon, said Mrs. Chandrika Devi. The project will be launched at the municipality’s own land near the market area.