‘Sudden’ plastic ban not likely to change things: environmentalists
1 Nov 2012 8:11 AM IST
The Delhi government has imposed a ‘blanket ban’ on plastic from 22 November, under which no person can manufacture, import, store, sell or transport any kind of plastic bag in the National Capital Territory [NCT].
From 22 November, all kinds of plastic bags, even those used to cover magazines, books, invitation cards, will not be allowed. Garbage bags will not be allowed too.
The Delhi government will promote alternatives such as jute, cloth and recycled paper bags. ‘Starch-based compostable material as a substitute to plastic will also be encouraged,’ the official said, adding that the city government ‘will come out with an awareness programme on the use of such bags’.
But some environmentalists feel the Delhi government’s ‘sudden ban’ on plastic use is not likely to bring about any change.
Environmentalist Rajeev Betne says a ban on plastic will not solve the problem of plastic pollution. Betne, senior programme coordinator of NGO Toxics Link, said: ‘Use of plastic has become a habit among the public. The sudden blanket ban without consulting the actual stake holders or a proper awareness among the public will not bring any change.’
According to him, ‘Around eight million tonnes of plastic is being used by our nation every year. In Delhi alone 250,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every year, including around 689 tonnes a day.’
Environmentalist Vinod Bakshi said: ‘Shopkeepers and consumers should be encouraged to adopt other alternatives like jute and paper bags; otherwise the plastic bags will come back after some time,’ Bakshi told.
Vimlendhu Jha, founder of environmental NGO Swechha said strong enforcement is necessary to ensure the ban is implemented. However, Ravi K. Aggarwal, president of the All India Plastic Industries Association (AIPIA), however, feels the environmental concern is over-hyped.
‘The threat posed to the environment by the use of plastic items has been blown out of proportion,’ Aggarwal sad. He said plastic is not harmful if it is recycled properly and not littered.
From 22 November, all kinds of plastic bags, even those used to cover magazines, books, invitation cards, will not be allowed. Garbage bags will not be allowed too.
The Delhi government will promote alternatives such as jute, cloth and recycled paper bags. ‘Starch-based compostable material as a substitute to plastic will also be encouraged,’ the official said, adding that the city government ‘will come out with an awareness programme on the use of such bags’.
But some environmentalists feel the Delhi government’s ‘sudden ban’ on plastic use is not likely to bring about any change.
Environmentalist Rajeev Betne says a ban on plastic will not solve the problem of plastic pollution. Betne, senior programme coordinator of NGO Toxics Link, said: ‘Use of plastic has become a habit among the public. The sudden blanket ban without consulting the actual stake holders or a proper awareness among the public will not bring any change.’
According to him, ‘Around eight million tonnes of plastic is being used by our nation every year. In Delhi alone 250,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every year, including around 689 tonnes a day.’
Environmentalist Vinod Bakshi said: ‘Shopkeepers and consumers should be encouraged to adopt other alternatives like jute and paper bags; otherwise the plastic bags will come back after some time,’ Bakshi told.
Vimlendhu Jha, founder of environmental NGO Swechha said strong enforcement is necessary to ensure the ban is implemented. However, Ravi K. Aggarwal, president of the All India Plastic Industries Association (AIPIA), however, feels the environmental concern is over-hyped.
‘The threat posed to the environment by the use of plastic items has been blown out of proportion,’ Aggarwal sad. He said plastic is not harmful if it is recycled properly and not littered.
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