JOIN USManage plastic waste scientifically: Khader
Corruption and solid waste are the two main problems in India, which, if not handled in the right time, will harm society’s health at large, said Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader.
He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Can - Plast 2013’, a technical seminar on solid waste management and plastic recycling, organised by Canara Plastic Manufacturers and Traders Association in Mangalore on Monday.
Observing that there were a lot of ambiguity in the ways in which laws are treated by the implementing authorities, he said there was a need for uniformity in the implementation of laws.
The minister further said that both anti-plastic and pro-plastic groups should carry out discussions to arrive at a final conclusion on plastic waste management, which should be in the favour of public. Solutions have to be drawn based upon the geography and lifestyle of people of the region, Khader said. Meanwhile, he felt for a need to safeguard the interest of plastic manufacturers.
Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Ajith Kumar Shanadi said complete ban on plastic is not a solution to the problem.
As per the directions of the High Court, Mangalore City Corporation has started creating awareness on the stringent laws against littering of waste, open defecation in public places, he said.
Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Mohammed Amin, who was the guest of honour, said the need of the hour is to manage the plastic waste scientifically. There are hundreds of employees who are directly and indirectly dependent on plastic industry.
State Pollution Control Board former chairman Dr H C Sharatchandra said that institutional policies have not been formed and executed in a proper way towards the plastic waste management. Latest technology alone does not serve the purpose.
He said there was a need of a mechanism which ensures regular collection and segregation of plastic waste in dedicated places, which avoids unscientific dumping.
There is lack of monitoring and enforcement of the existing laws in places like Mangalore, he added.
CPMTA President B A Nazir, Secretary B A Iqbal, Vice President Asgar Ali and Secretary Suresh Karkera were present.