The Hindu 14.07.2009
CMC to ban use of recycled polythene
Correspondent
Massive campaign to be launched to create public awareness
Massive use of polythene and plastics is causing a peculiar problem of water-logging
CUTTACK: After some brainstorming deliberations and divided opinion, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) at a high-level meeting here on Monday finally decided to ban the use of recycled polythene of less than 20 micron in the city.
To sensitize the people about the hazardous use of polythene which is creating not only public nuisance but serious environmental pollution, a massive campaign would be launched in the city for next seven days by special squad of the CMC, said Mr Pravat Das, the amicus curie appointed by the Orissa High Court. In order to enforce the ban, the city police and commercial tax officers have been asked to ensure that the entry of recycled polythene into the city is completely blocked. Basing on the reports submitted by the District Industrial Council and the State Pollution Control Board , it was learnt that recycled polythene of less than 20 micron was not manufactured anywhere inside the city or in its vicinity.
“However, the commercial tax and sales tax officials have been directed to monitor the situation and conduct raids regularly inside the city to apprehend the manufacturers and traders dealing with the banned polythene”, Mohapatra added.
The city police have also been asked to take stringent action against the illegal manufacturers and traders under relevant provisions of IPC, Environment Protection Act and Orissa Municipal Corporation Act.
The meeting also decided to form at least four special squads to move around four separate zones of the city to campaign vigorously against the use of recycled polythene in the city.
Apart from environment impact, massive use of polythene and plastics is causing a peculiar problem of water-logging in Cuttack city. “Most of the drains of the city are choked with polythene blocking the smooth passage of rain waters in the drains during monsoon.
Besides, ‘use and throw’ plastic glasses and other materials used during community feasts also pose a serious problem during monsoon”, said a civic body engineer.
The high-level committee, which is headed by the CMC commissioner also decided to review the situation and take further necessary remedial steps towards imposing a blanket ban on use of recycled polythene in Cuttackcity.