Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus Single-use Plastic Free Zone Press Release
CMDA issued a press release dated 1 June 2024 stating that the entire Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus campus at Kilambakkam has been declared a single-use plastic free zone from 1 May 2024. The measure affects shops, employees, transport department employees, passengers and other stakeholders, with inspections and penalties planned after awareness activities are completed.
What the press release covers
The CMDA press release dated 1 June 2024 explains the implementation of a single-use plastic free zone across the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus campus at Kilambakkam. The bus terminus began operating on 30 December 2023 and had 41 operational shops, including 18 restaurants, 19 snack shops and four miscellaneous shops, when the release was issued.
The campus generates between three and four tonnes of garbage daily. The plastic restrictions are intended to support cleaner operation of the bus terminus and protect the environment.
Who is affected
The single-use plastic restrictions apply throughout the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus campus. The press release specifically identifies:
- Shop vendors and shop employees.
- Transport Department employees.
- Passengers and other people using the campus.
- Restaurants, snack shops and miscellaneous shops operating at the terminus.
Meetings with shop vendors and employees were held on 6 May 2024 and 20 May 2024. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and district level officials of the Food Safety Department provided awareness about banned plastic products and alternatives.
Banned items and alternatives
The press release lists 27 banned plastic items. Examples include:
- Plastic food wrapping sheets, with aluminium foil listed as an alternative.
- Plastic sheets used on dining tables, with paper rolls listed as an alternative.
- Plastic and thermocol plates or cups, with alternatives including lotus leaf plates, bamboo plates, earthen clay products, rice husk cups and terracotta products.
- Plastic carry bags of all sizes and thicknesses, with cloth bags listed as an alternative.
- Plastic coated and non-woven carry bags, with paper bags and jute bags listed as alternatives.
- Water pouches or packets, with glass bottles listed as an alternative.
- Plastic straws, spoons, knives, forks and stirrers, with paper, wood, bamboo, areca or edible alternatives listed.
- Plastic or PVC banners below 100 micron, with cloth banners listed as an alternative.
- Plastic trays, for which no alternative is shown in the list.
Inspection and enforcement
On 1 June 2024, the Green Brigade formed by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, together with CMDA officials and BVG staff, inspected all shops operating on the campus. Pamphlets were distributed to vendors, and awareness posters were placed throughout the premises.
After awareness activities are completed, the campus will be inspected periodically and penalties will be imposed on violators. The press release does not state the penalty amount.
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Common questions
When did Kilambakkam bus terminus become a single-use plastic free zone?
The entire Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus campus was declared a single-use plastic free zone from 1 May 2024.
Does the plastic restriction apply only to shops?
No. The press release addresses shop vendors, employees, Transport Department employees, passengers and other people using the campus.
Are plastic carry bags allowed if they are thick?
No. The list bans plastic carry bags of all sizes and thicknesses. Cloth bags are listed as the alternative.
Can a violator be penalised at the bus terminus?
Yes. The press release says periodic inspections will follow the awareness activities and penalties will be imposed on violators, but it does not provide the penalty amount.
