At an exhibition organised by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board in Chennai on May 25, 2002, then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa holds up a coconut broom to demonstrate that it is better than plastic brooms. Sheela Rani Chunkath (right), the Chairperson of the Board is also seen.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives
In May 2002, the Tamil Nadu government introduced a Bill that sought to restrict the use of disposable plastics across the State. The Tamil Nadu Plastic Articles (Prohibition of Sale, Storage, Transport and Use) Bill, 2002, aimed to curb the growing use of non-reusable plastic items such as carry bags, cups and packaging materials. Less than a year later, in January 2003, the Bill was withdrawn following recommendations from a Select Committee, after months of debate involving industry, environmental groups and political parties.
Concerns over plastic waste had been building for some time. On March 9, 2001, The Hindu reported that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had asked municipal corporations to reduce the use of “use and throw” plastics, as they choke drains and affect soil and groundwater. By 2002, plastics had become a visible part of municipal waste streams, raising concerns over disposal, public health and environmental damage.
Published – April 08, 2026 07:00 am IST
