Coimbatore, a conservative town, is setting an example for the rest of the country on environmental conservation. Thondamuthur, one of the town Panchayats, has imposed a ban of plastics in 2012 and has kept the village a plastic-free zone since 2012. The town Panchayat Officer has instructed to use cloth and paper bags for packing the products.

Around 70 percent of the residents, meat-sellers, and retailers are following the orders and have stopped using carry bags below 40% micron. Tourists and TASMAC outlets are the only violators of the rule.

There are 37 Town Panchayats and 229 Village Panchayats in Coimbatore district. Following the orders of the then Collector of Coimbatore district, M.Karunakaran, plastic was banned in all town Panchayats, including Thaliyur, Thondamuthur, Sulur, and Karumathampatti, with effect from September2012.

Notice boards in public places warn of fines of Rs.1000 and Rs.2000 on violators of the rule.

“As per the orders of the Panchayat, we have started to use paper bags for packing meat. A single paper bag cost Rs.6,” said Senthil Kumar, a meat vendor in Thondamuthur.

The ban of plastic of less than 40% microns is being strictly enforced in Thondamuthur and Sulur,” a senior official of the town Panchayat said.