Officials have seized 800 kg of plastic products and collected a total of Rs 1 lakh in fines from 47 shops in Kolli Hills after a ban on single-use plastic items came into force in the Namakkal district hill region.
The restrictions were introduced to reduce environmental damage and protect public health in the popular hill area. The ban became effective from the previous day, following which officials began monitoring vehicles travelling towards Kolli Hills as well as tourist locations to prevent the use and movement of prohibited plastic items.
Inspections were carried out at shops, commercial establishments and check-posts in Karavalli and Kolli Hills. During the checks, officials found plastic products stored for sale and use despite the restrictions. The seized material weighed approximately 800 kg, according to a report by Dinamalar – Tamil Nadu.
Authorities also penalised 47 businesses that had used or sold plastic products in violation of the rules. The fines, amounting to Rs 1 lakh in total, were collected immediately. The enforcement action covered establishments in the hill area and locations used by visitors entering Kolli Hills.
The ban is part of an effort to address plastic waste in a sensitive mountain environment, where tourism, local commerce and waste management intersect. The restrictions apply to single-use plastic products, although the report does not provide a detailed list of the specific items covered by the prohibition.
Officials warned that businesses continuing to use or sell prohibited plastic products could face stricter action, including cancellation of their licences. Monitoring of shops, commercial establishments, check-posts, access roads and tourist areas is expected to continue as the ban is implemented.
