JOIN USPlastic bags begin to show up again at shops, markets
Just months after the ban on using plastic was announced, violations of the rule have been rampant. From small retailers to those selling vegetables on push carts, vendors have been giving away plastic bags to customers again.
Even shops have started selling plastic bags and plastic tumblers in bulk. At VV Puram, which has many shops selling plates for gatherings in bulk, plastic tumblers are back on the shelves as well.
Provision stores have also begun dispensing their wares in plastic covers. Zahid, a member of the residents’ welfare association of HSR Layout ,said plastic is being used in their locality too.
“There is lack of enforcement by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Penalty has to be slapped against violators. Also, for repeat offenders, the fine amount must be high,” he added.
He also said that as a possible solution to the issue, the supply of plastic has to be stopped completely in Karnataka.
“If it is not made available, vendors would be forced to use alternatives. Hence, there should be a ban on the supply to begin with,” he opined. At HSR Layout, the anti-plastic team is involved in taking complaints from the residents in this regard and intimating the BBMP.
Meanwhile, Kaveri Kedarnath, a member of Gayathrinagar Residents’ Welfare Association and civic leader, said that there is a need to ensure better access to alternatives.
“The rules are not being followed strictly by all the residents. Only a few of them stick to it. Even with respect to implementation, there is a need for improvement,” she added.
Kaveri added that the ban must be enforced uniformly. “It will be of no use if the ban is enforced on and off. There is a need for it to be enforced for long. Also, in a single constituency, there are a few wards which follow rules strictly and a few others which do not. This makes other wards take the rule lightly,” she said.
Even as imposing fines is important, she said that the fine should be in the form of buying alternatives. BBMP commissioner N Manjunath Prasad was unavailable for comment.