Civic Body Backs KTM Society and Tourism Task Force’s Call, Bans Plastic Bags in Munnar

KOCHI:
Backing the call of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) society and tourism task force for a total ban on plastic in tourist town Munnar, the local panchayat has prohibited the use of plastic bags as the first step towards keeping the hill station free of the polluting material.
As many as 28 organizations in the tourism sector that have been brought under the ambit of this task force under KTM for flood relief and rehabilitation have widely undertook a campaign for banning plastic in Munnar.
The decision came at an all-party meeting convened recently to discuss the issue, which was also attended by the representatives from the KTM Society, hoteliers, resort owners, police personnel, education department officials and members of the business community.
To begin with, the panchayat has banned the use of plastic bags and also conducted several flash raids after that to ensure strict adherence to the decision, said Munnar Panchayat Secretary, Madhusoodanan Unnithan.
It is to uphold the concept of ‘ Responsible Tourism’ and to make tourist destinations in Kerala pollution-free zones that the tourism task force formed under the KTM society decided to come up with an intensive plastic ban campaign, said Abraham George, former president, KTM society and convenor of the task force.
“Every parties attended unanimously honoured the decision taken in the all party meeting,” he said.
Meanwhile, the representatives of the political parties who were present on the occasion said that they would not interfere in any of the police cases pertaining to plastic ban.
The tenth edition of Kerala Travel Mart will held from September 27 – 30.