PUDUCHERRY: The next time you go to the market please carry your own bag and refuse to accept plastic bags, especially the black carry bags, which shopkeepers generously offer -- is hazardous to the environment.
Speaking during a function here on Sunday organised in connection with World Environment Day, Dr N Ramesh, environmental engineer, Department of Science and Technology, urged the public to minimise the use of plastic products as it pollutes the land, water and sea at an alarming level.
“The plastic bags that are littered on agricultural land will affect the soil as it cuts the oxygen and affects the plants; the plastic items which reach the sea is eaten by fish and other marine animals and threatens their very existence,” he said.
Ramesh said the State is keen on maintaining a clean environment; industries which produce hazardous wastes have not been allowed, he said. He said at least 33 industries were closed down for not following pollution control norms.
The environmental engineer said the administration is taking steps to increase its forest cover by planting more trees. He said the UT was facing the risk of rising of sea level due to global warming and people should extend all help to maintain a clean environment. Former MLA, M Ilango presided over the function. H Raja Mohammed of Green Movement Forum was also present.