Udupi: Chairing a meeting on the issue of banning plastic use at the District Offices Complex, Udupi DC, Priyanka Mary Francis, on May 12, Friday said that the use of carry bags and other materials made of plastic has been banned in the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) limits for a while. She went on to say that all hotels, malls, bars, restaurants, provision stores and book centres should use bags made of eco-friendly materials.

“Business establishments and traders should instead use bags made out of cloth or paper. Such bags were being manufactured by many self-help groups (SHGs) in the district. Hence the business establishments and traders could approach them for such bags," he said.

The businessmen and traders, who participated in the meeting, agreed to adhere with the Deputy Commissioner’s directions. They pointed out that plastic bags were not being manufactured in the district. But plastic covers were coming from other States to the district and this should be stopped.

DC also directed the CMC Commissioner, D. Manjunathaiah, to hold an interaction programme of self-help groups manufacturing cloth and paper bags with the businessmen. An exhibition of bags made of cloth and paper should also be held, she said. “ Udupi,should be a plastic-free, clean and beautiful district. We request everyone to cooperate with us in achieving this aim,” she said. The response from all quarters is seen to be positive.