Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 31: Every household in Mangaluru will soon receive two free cloth bags as part of the Mangaluru City Corporation’s (MCC) drive to curb single-use plastic, even as authorities warn of strict action against violators.

The MCC will distribute the bags across its 60 wards at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lac, with self-help groups in the city producing them.

Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan HV stated that distributing cloth bags is a soft measure to implement the plastic ban, while stringent action will be taken against violations. Shops found selling banned plastic bags will face cancellation of their trade licences.

Over the past three months, officials have conducted several surprise inspections and issued warnings. Authorities also identified single-use plastic manufacturers operating outside Mangaluru and reported them to the government, noting that supply will reduce only if manufacturing stops. Despite repeated warnings, some shops continue to supply plastic bags discreetly, prompting the administration to initiate licence cancellation for repeat offenders.

Preference will be given to self-help groups promoting khadi during the procurement process, the initiative aims to encourage women entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the MCC has intensified action against illegal dumping of waste into the Netravati and Phalguni rivers. Penalties have been imposed on several vehicles involved in dumping plastic and construction debris. Authorities have also decided to register FIRs against those found disposing of waste into rivers.