Udupi, 15 September 2012: Even though there the qualms
from corners over the effectiveness of implementation, the decision to
ban plastic carry bags by CMC within the city limits will be strictly
introduced from September 15 and stringent actions will be taken against
those who are selling plastic carry bags.
CMC Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak told DHNS that only plastic carry bags,
plates and cups are banned. This is the first phase of the programme
and slowly the house will take a decision over banning plastic bags of
all forms.
“We find it very difficult to concentrate on all forms of plastic bags
and covers as most of the eatables, chocolates and milk come in plastic
covers,” he said.The plastic materials especially plastic carry bags are
posing severe threat to the health and also the disposal of plastic
bags has become a big bane to the CMC.
Nayak said that the landfill site at solid waste management plant in
Karvalu in Alevoor is filled with plastic carry bags and is finding
difficult in disposing completely. Plastic carry bags block the sewage
and storm water drains, thereby obstructing easy flow of water and has
turned out to be the mosquito breeding hubs.
Fisherwomen are also directed not to use plastic carry bags to vend
fishes. The ban is not only limited to the plastic cups and plastic
plates used in functions, but also covers the thin plastic sheets used
to wrap the tables in marriage and other functions.
The CMC has already banned the use of plastic bags below 40 microns.
Shops and retail outlets were raided to ensure the effectiveness of the
ban. Many a times CMC caught the shop keepers and retailers who breached
the law and were fined heavily.
The CMC Commissioner said that it is up to government to ban plastic
covers and bags in all forms. The Government may take a decision in near
future to ban plastic wrappers that comes in the form of chocolate
wrappers, milk packets, and plastic packets covering eatables. - UT
