Ban on plastic bags in 15 days likely

The State government will impose a complete ban on the manufacture and use of plastic carry bags in a fortnight if Environment Minister Sodagu Shivanna has his way.

 Shivanna told reporters on Monday that he was confident of convincing Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar about the need to impose the ban. “Plastic is taking a major toll on the environment and it is high time plastic carry bags are banned completely,” he stated.

Now, there is a ban on the manufacture and use of plastic bags of less than 40 microns. However, there are no restrictions on the use of other types of plastic. The State government can impose the ban under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, according to Secretary to the Department of Environment and Ecology Kanwar Pal. He said the urban local bodies had a crucial role in enforcing the ban.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) recently directed all urban local bodies to set up units to process waste plastic. They have been told to segregate waste plastic and melt it and convert it into pellets for use by manufacturing industries.

Shivanna said he would soon order an internal probe into the alleged dereliction of duty and alleged irregularities indulged in by KSPCB officials. “Though I had directed them to furnish details on pending files within three days, complete information has not been provided. Hundreds of files have been kept pending for months. It is most unfortunate that the member secretary and the chairman have turned a blind eye,” he stated.

He charged the KSPCB with failing to discharge its duty in protecting the environment. “The board used to issue notice and keep quiet. It hardly took any action against those who violated the rules,” he added. He also said that officials had been directed to bring all services being provided by the KSPCB under the Right to Services Act, Sakala.