Shun use of plastic

The decision by the government to impose a total ban on plastic carry bags in the State in two weeks has drawn a mixed response from the people. The ban will also cover carry bags with a thickness of more than 40 microns.

Tall as the order may sound, it is the common man more than the government, who
has to make an effort to shun using plastic bags.The government will have to impose a fine amount to ensure that the rule is not flouted.  

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has begun taking action against plastic manufacturers who have not adhered to the rule.

A S Sadashivaiah, chairman of the KSPCB, says, “We’ve caught three manufacturing units that continue to manufacture and market plastic bags that are less than 40 microns. We have the authority to seize their licence and shut down the units. We will work in tandem with the BBMP to ensure that the ban is implemented.”

Sadashivaiah further states that it is the BBMP that issues licences to retailers and it is their duty to ensure that the retailers comply with the ban. “A fine must be imposed on those who flout the rule. Through our Parisaramitra Shala Programme we have reached out to over 10,000 students across the rural districts in the State but in Bangalore City I think enough has been done to educate the young.

We will now have to rope in well-meaning NGOs and involve schools and colleges to train young people in waste management and ill-effects of plastic on the environment,” he reasons.

Sadashivaiah also feels that the people are not serious about waste segregation, “It’s a hard to get people to segregate waste at source. Here is where resident associations assume importance.”

 A senior officer with the BBMP notes, “The ban on plastic bags will be implemented at the retailer’s level and will be strictly enforced among people. Getting people to shun plastic is our biggest challenge and only imposition of a fine amount will instill fear and deter people from using plastic. We will draw up measures to this effect.”

Meenakshi Bharath, a member of the Malleswaram Swabhimanaa initiative, reasons that banning plastic carry bags is just one of the many things that needs to be done to solve the garbage problem. “We need to institute the segregation of garbage at source so
that the dry waste-plastic-paper-metal-glass and e waste is not dirtied by the wet waste.

Then this waste can be recycled easily. This has to be followed by the people. We, therefore, have to look at this as a partial solution which requires implementation,” says Meenakshi.

Divya R T, a lecturer with the department of science, Mount Carmel College feels that although completely banning plastic may be in the pipeline but to achieve it, there has to be first, a ban on the manufacture of plastic bags.

 “Plastic takes a long time to undergo natural biodegradation. Even if we do not throw it away and  reuse it a couple of times,  its story remains the same. It can definitely be recycled,” she says. She observes that people must consciously start carrying cloth bags for shopping purposes.