The Environment Department will strictly enforce various rules and regulations, including the prevention of banned plastic usage, across Tamil Nadu, said Minister for Environment, Pollution Control, and Climate Change V. K. Rajeev.

He arrived in Ramanathapuram on Saturday after taking charge as the Minister.

Speaking to journalists, he said: “During the previous administration’s tenure, letting dyeing unit effluents into rivers and usage of banned plastics were not prevented. Even though initiatives like the Manjapai scheme were introduced, they were not fully implemented.”

“We are going to bring about a lot of changes in the Environment Department. Factories manufacturing banned plastics will be sealed,” he added.

Due to the discharge of dyeing unit effluents into rivers in the Kongu region, the prevalence of kidney ailments and cancer was very high, he said, adding, awareness would be created regarding this.

“Garbage and waste will be cleared across Tamil Nadu. Alternatives to replace plastic are also under consideration. In Devipattinam of Ramanathapuram district, garbage and waste have been under clearance in the coastal areas for the past two days,” Mr. Rajeev stated.

Measures would be taken to preserve the environment and promote tourism in the coastal areas of Ramanathapuram district. Steps will also be taken to resolve the drinking water issue in the district and to create industries to generate local employment opportunities, thereby preventing youth from moving abroad, he said.