Blanket ban likely on plastic bags in Kochi

KOCHI: In view of the unrestrained use of carry bags and other plastic products and the subsequent increase in the quantity of non-biodegradable waste generated in the city, the city corporation is planning to implement a blanket ban on plastic carry bags. During a recent council meeting, mayor Soumini Jain said legal opinion would be sought on this matter. It has also been decided to strictly enforce the ban on carry bags with less than 50-microns thickness from October 1.

Meanwhile, there are doubts over the feasibility of the proposal as the local body could not effectively enforce the partial ban introduced earlier. Ms Jain says the local body can’t immediately go for a blanket ban, and it should come in phases. “As per the plastic handling rules, a total prohibition is not possible immediately. However, with an objective of bringing down its use, the partial ban will be strictly enforced from October 1. Awareness creation among the public also is important,” she observed.

The civic body which announced a ban on plastic carry bags of less than 40 microns in 2012 following an order of LSGD secretary had failed to enforce it. While raising the issue in the council, C. K. Peter, the councillor from Konthuruthy division, said that tonnes of plastic refuse are being generated in the city every day, and the corporation was clueless on how to dispose of the huge heaps of trash piled up at Brahmapuram plant. On average, 300 tonnes of garbage is being transported to Brahmapuram of which 70 to 90 tonnes is non-biodegradable.