Plastic ban: Pollution Board told to improve awareness

Expressing concern over the ill effects of plastic on environment, Deputy Commissioner Harsh Gupta directed officials of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to create awareness regarding the ban on the use of plastic in the district.

Speaking at a meeting of officials of KSPCB and Department of Environment here, he said there was an emergent need to take action on the sale of plastic carrybags and covers as they damage environment.

An awareness on the ban of plastic needs to be created by local bodies including corporations, town municipal councils and city municipal councils.

A workshop for plastic wholesale merchants, traders, plastic manufacturers, trade and commerce bodies, hoteliers and petty businessmen be held in the current month to tell them regarding the ban on plastic.

The DC said the Supreme Court has banned the sale of gutka and tobacco products countrywide.

However, the sale of gutka has been going on unabated despite ban.
The officials concerned should conduct surprise raids and check the sale of gutka in accordance with the orders of the apex court.

Don’t waste money

Gupta said the district administration has taken up revival of ten tanks in the city.
Works such as desilting, clearing blocks for the flow of water into tanks, boundary wall, fence and checking the entry of sewage water should be taken up on warfooting.

Reviewing the progress of works here, he rejuvenation of tanks also aimed at providing a clean environment as well as protection of the government property. For this, there should be no wasteful expenditure.

“We are not building Taj Mahal or Kutub Minar but, trying to provide a clean environment for citizens. The works should be completed quickly without compromising quality. Don’t waste like in preparing estimates. Action is certain if there was any delay or wasting tax payer’s money”, he added.

The DC said the reason for taking up desilting work was to improve storage of water for which the bunds should be strong.

Any callous work found during the inspection would be treated seriously and action is certain”, he warned.