Tamil Nadu government today announced ban on plastic products in the state from next year. Chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami announced this in the state legislative assembly on the occasion of the World Environment Day "The ban will be primarily on plastic carry bags, plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic flags, small plastic sachets used in packaging water, among others," Palaniswami said."However, a few plastic materials used for packing milk, curd, oil and medicine have been exempted from the ban," he said.Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly, he sought the cooperation of people and traders in implementing this ban in the state. He said the announcement was based on the recommendations of an expert panel constituted by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.The Chief Minister said the disposal of plastic material affects the flow of waste water and drainage and deeply affects the ground water table.Pollution from plastic products lead to water stagnation, resulting in spread of malaria and dengue. "Hence, to ensure a better pollution-free environment for our next generation, we hereby bans manufacture and use of plastic products from January 1, 2019," Palaniswami announced in the Assembly.