The Hindu 29.07.2009
Public cooperation sought in enforcing ban on plastics
Staff Reporter
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy 
Sharing experience: Regional Officer of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Y.B. Sontakke at a seminar in Puducherry on Tuesday. —
PUDUCHERRY: As a step towards implementing the proposed ban on plastic bags and cups in Puducherry, the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC) organised a seminar on ‘Usage of Plastics – Challenges and Strategies in Puducherry’ on Tuesday.
Officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee shared their experiences on implementation of the ban.
Home Minister E. Valsaraj, who also holds the science, technology and environment portfolio, delivered the inaugural address. He solicited the cooperation of the public in implementing the ban. He said that lack of civic sense was compounding the plastic disposal problem in Puducherry.
Special Secretary to Government and Chairman of the PPCC G. Theva Neethi Dhas described the event as a forum for the civil society to discuss how to use plastics in a better manner, keeping in mind, the advantages and disadvantages. Plastic manufacturers, members of non-governmental organisations and the general public participated in the event.
Y.B. Sontakke, Regional Officer of the MPCD, made a presentation on the implementation of the ban on plastic carry bags below the thickness of 50 microns and coloured recycled bags in Maharashtra. Mr. Sontakke said that the large quantity of plastic waste generated and the 2005 floods in Mumbai led the MPCD to consider the ban. Bags, cups and bottles clogged all stormwater drains and led to serious environment problems. Following a notification, the ban was imposed. This ban was strengthening the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage (Amendments) Rules, 2003.
It has been made mandatory for every plastic bag in Maharashtra to carry details of manufacturer, thickness and weight of the bag, in order to hold the manufacturer, distributor, stockist and vendor accountable, he said. As of now, 21 plastic manufacturing units have been fined for violation of the ban, he added.
A.K. Ambasht, Member Secretary of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, also shared the experience of implementing a total ban on plastic bags in New Delhi. Several valid points were raised by the audience at an interactive session. Mr. Dhas said that the viewpoints of all stakeholders would be considered before the extent of the ban was determined.
