Polythene-free environment: Call to local bodies

by Ananda KANNANGARA

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The Ministry of Environment has appealed to Local Government institutions to help its action plan on creating a polythene free environment by placing separate dust bins for degradable and non degradable refuse at key places in their main towns.

Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that the program was initially launched in Colombo, Mt. Lavinia and Kandy.

He said the Environmental Authority is expected to launch awareness programs for schoolchildren in collaboration with the Education Ministry. "In addition, we have decided to provide bags to households in urban and rural areas to collect refuse separately," he said.

The non-degradable items are plastics, iron, tin and steel refuse and discarded rubber based products.

Steps have also been taken by the Central Environmental Authority to fine those who litter the highways and main public places.