Environment Minister seeks traders’ support to prevent use of plastic water bottles; wants them to promote glass bottles

Minister for Environment and Climate Change V.K. Rajeev addressing a function held at Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Madurai on Saturday.

| Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY

Appealing to traders to prevent use of plastic water bottles and encourage glass containers, Tamil Nadu Environment and Climate Change Minister V.K. Rajeev said that the new government under the leadership of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would certainly bring in a change for betterment of the people.Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Saturday, he said that disposal of solid waste was a big challenge. The government is committed to introducing an innovate coding system shortly.“We will make the change as promised. You (people) be a change and be an example to it....” he stressed.Thanking the members and the office-bearers of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the honour accorded to the newly elected representatives, Dr. Rajeev said that the Tamil Nadu government would help support their betterment. However, he underlined that anything which was under the purview of the law, the government would not hesitate to stand by the trade and industry.He also said that only when the trade and industry flourished, there would be growth and scope for more job opportunities.Hence, the government, which has just taken over, would rise up to the occasion. “In less than two years of floating the party (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), the party leader Mr. Vijay had come to the seat of power. Certainly, the people can witness growth and development in the coming months,” he said amid applause from the gathering.Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president N. Jegatheesan, secretary S. Sridhar, V.Neethimohan, Jeeyarbabu and other office-bearers participated.The newly elected MLAs S. Karthikeyan (Madurai East), A. Kallanai (Madurai North), M.M. Gopison (Madurai South), S.R. Thangapandi (Madurai West), PLA Jaganath Misra (Cumbum) were felicitated.The MLAs assured to extend their support and cooperation for the development of Madurai and southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Published - June 06, 2026 08:40 pm IST