The Deccan Herald 09.11.2010
BBMP chief hints at ‘consensual’ plastic ban
Bangalore, November 8, DHNS:
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Commissioner has hinted at banning plastic in the capital city.
Speaking with mediapersons here on Monday, BBMP commissioner Siddaiah said the Palike was giving ‘serious thought’ on banning plastic in the City, particularly in shopping complexes and supermarkets.
“The proposal would be discussed with the Mayor, standing committee members and major shopping establishments. The matter would be tabled before the Council if a consensus is evolved,” he said.
Siddaiah's comment came after Robert Haley and Tamar Hurwitz of San Fransisco Department of Environment gave a presentation on solid waste management in their city.
During the presentation, Robert Haley said the San Fransisco has banned plastic carry bags in shopping complexes and supermarkets, which helped reduce the plastic burden to a good extent.
Palike sources said plastic covers form almost 40 per cent of the total garbage generated in the City. On an average Bangalore produces 3,000 tonnes of garbage per day.
Fuel from plastic
Palike plans to set up units with the help of private firms to generate fuel and electricity from plastic covers, said sources.
The plastic treatment plants would help flatten the mounds of garbage at Mavallipura and elsewhere in the City.
The BBMP had entered into a Sister City agreement with San Francisco. The idea was to share good practices followed in various fields, like sewage management, solid waste management, city transportation, education and technology and health.
‘Not the only solution’
Welcoming the idea, Uday Garudachar, MD, Maverick Holdings and Investments Pvt Ltd, which runs Garuda Mall said mere banning was not the only solution to the problem. He sought to know whether the Palike has explored the possibility of generating fuel and energy before implementing the ban.
Managing Head (Operations) at Forum Mall V Mohammad Ali who said the intention seems to be good and the Forum Mall will fully cooperate in realising this plan.
“A few shops of branded fabric companies have already been using jute in place of plastic. But it involves lot of planning before going ahead with such idea There are at least 10 lakh people in the plastic industry. The ban may affect them," he said.
Waste management in school curriculum
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is planning to introduce solid waste management as a subject in the curriculum of the Palike-run schools.
Commissioner Siddaiah told reporters here on Monday that children need to be educated on segregation of garbage at source. He said the BBMP will request the State government to include a chapter on garbage segregation at source in the school curriculum across the State.
Siddaiah said bio-methane plants will be set up in each major ward, or one for three-four minor wards in the City for converting the waste into compost. He said the Palike was waiting for the state government’s approval for its proposal to set up plants with the help of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The pilot project will be taken up at KR Market after obtaining clearance from the government.
