Bengaluru: Ban on, but plastic bags still being used
A large amount of plastic bags and articles, including plates, cups, spoons and others, have been seized.
BENGALURU: Six days after a blanket ban on plastic of all sizes and microns, the BBMP has been cracking the whip against plastic sellers in and around markets. But despite the ban, people continue to carry plastic bags, which points to lack of awareness on the ill-effects of plastic on environment.
The BBMP, which has formed special squads, has been raiding shops and business establishments for the last two months. But the drive has been stepped up over the last six days since the ban has come into effect.
A large amount of plastic bags and articles, including plates, cups, spoons and others, have been seized. As there have been no alternatives, shops in malls and other business establishments continue to dish out plastic bags to their customers.
“The government should encourage people to use brown bags and attractive jute bags. Unless alternatives are available, an effective ban on plastic is impossible. Unfortunately, the government has not made any headway in providing the alternatives. The BBMP and BDA should rope in Resident Welfare Associations to create awareness,” the residents said.
BBMP Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Subodh Yadav said that the Palike is coming out with a penal clause to punish violators.
“Some shops have already come out with alternatives, because of stern enforcement. However, some small shops and those which still have stocks are still to fall in line,” he said.
“Once the penalty clauses are fixed and enforced, the use of plastic will drastically come down. Also responsibilities have been fixed with district commissioners and revenue authorities, apart from the BBMP and KSPCB,” he said.
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Chairman Lakshman said that the notification of March 14 has failed to mention thermoform plastic coated covers. This will be brought to the notice of the government, he said.
Ms Kalpana Kar, a solid waste management expert, said that only fear of law can bring deterrence among manufacturers and the people. “Officials will soon be empowered with the rule to penalise violators,” she said.
Apart from enforcing the ban on manufacturing units, the pollution control board needs to focus on research and development to find ways to scientifically process certain plastic materials, she said.