The Times of India  13.08.2010

PUNE: The standing committee on Tuesday directed the civic administration to initiate action against manufacturers of plastic tricolour flags.

The standing committee discussed the desecration of plastic tricolour flags after Independence day celebrations last year. "We insisted that the standing committee chairmanArvind Shinde should direct the administration to take action against manufacturers of tricolours made of plastic," said Rajendra Wagaskar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporator.

In December, 2009, the PMC general body had passed a resolution to completely ban plastic bags, without specifying the size or thickness of the bags. Earlier, in 2005, the state government banned plastic bags of below 50 micron thickness. The decision was taken to prevent further degradation of environment due to plastic waste.

"Sale of plastic flags is rampant despite a two-year government ordinance prohibiting their production. The MNS will launch a drive ahead of the Independence day and will appeal to vendors not to sell plastic tricolours. We have also appealed to manufacturers not to bring plastic flags into the market." said Wagaskar. He said the party will teach a lesson' to those defying their diktat, in MNS style'.

"After the Independence day celebrations, flags are thrown on the roads. Every year, NGOs and citizen groups appeal not use plastic flags to celebrate Independence and Republic days, but manufacturers continue to bring plastic flags into the market. This year we will ensure there is no sale of plastic flags," said Wagaskar.