BBMP to go after factories making banned plastic bags

With the lifting of the poll code, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to act decisively against factories making thin plastic bags.

The civic body feels its blanket plastic ban in the city has not been effective since the factories continue to produce thin plastic bags that end up with the street vendors.

Speaking to DH, Mayor Gangambike Mallikarjun said the Palike would go after the plastic bag units soon after the model code is lifted. “We’ve been receiving complaints that street vendors are using plastic bags and some factories are producing thin plastic bags. We couldn’t pay attention on these due to elections,” the Mayor said.

She said she has directed the Chief Health Officers to act on the issue. The BBMP is planning to issue notices, take legal action and, in extreme cases, would even close down the factories. A top official said the public health department has done an effective job in enforcing the plastic ban.

“Most plastic manufacturing units are outside of the BBMP’s jurisdiction. But if it’s brought to our notice that the factories exist within our jurisdiction, we’ll take action,” the official said.

The BBMP has written to Bengaluru Urban Development authorities to close down a manufacturing unit in Kumbalgodu that allegedly makes thin plastic covers. It has also asked the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to issue closure orders to units producing banned materials on the city outskirts.