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Environment

BMC a step closer to plastic ban

Friday, 08 January 2010 08:22 administrator
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Hindustan Times 08.01.2010

BMC a step closer to plastic ban

The Mayor’s proposal for a 100 per cent ban on plastic carry bags will be tabled before the general body meeting on Friday.

Shiv Sena’s leader of the house, Sunil Prabhu has chalked out a proposal in the form of a notice of motion, demanding a blanket ban on plastic carry bags along with a ban on thermacol and metallic plastic, which is used for pouches containing dry food like potato chips.

Following the meeting held last week by Mayor Shraddha Jadhav suggesting a 100 per cent ban, the proposal will be discussed in the general body meeting and once approved by a majority will be sent to the state to make necessary amendments in the existing law, the Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture and Usage) Rules 2006.

Currently, sale and use of plastic carry bags thinner than 50 microns is banned in the state. The state government had imposed the ban in 2006 after a report said that plastic bags clogged drains.

However, civic body has not been successful in implementing the ban as monitoring the use of plastic bags is difficult.

Sunil Prabhu, Sena leader in the BMC said, “We want a 100 per cent ban on plastic carry bags along with packaging, thermocol and metallic plastic as they are hazardous to the environment and they cant be recycled.”

However the Sena -BJP ruling party is divided over the issue. A total ban on plastic carry bags will affect plastic bag manufacturers and the labour depending on that industry. A section of Sena and BJP leaders are strongly opposing a complete ban on plastic bags.

In the notice of motion, Prabhu suggested that the state government should amend the existing law to accommodate a complete ban. The state government has supported the idea but it wants to proceed with it slowly.

Environment Secretary Valsa Nair said that banning metallic plastic and thermocol would not be easy, as it will hit the concerned industry severely. She added that a blanket ban on plastic carry bags could be implemented.

Hindustan Times on December 27 reported that Mayor Jadhav has initiated a move to ban plastic carry bags in the city.

She also wrote a letter to the municipal commissioner saying that the administration should initiate awareness campaign about using cloth bags as plastic bags clog the drains and are also an environment hazard.

Last Updated on Friday, 08 January 2010 08:29
 

Keeping it green and clean

Friday, 08 January 2010 08:09 administrator
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The New Indian Express 08.01.2010

Keeping it green and clean

Manila M and Remya K Joseph


Panampilly Nagar is a brand by itself. And its residents know how to keep the image glowing year after year. No wonder this residential area has proved to be a role model for the rest of the city, the activities of the residents association dating back to the late 80s. The team of 21 members of the association along with the residents and the Corporation have been organising and conducting various innovative activities for the general welfare of the colony.

The residential area has been divided into 30 units comprising 50 households in each unit for easier coordination. Their activities include beautification and maintenance of the area in and around Panampilly Nagar. The long line of trees and flowering plants here prove the sustained efforts of the residents. There are around 18 parks in this area which are maintained by the respective units. “Grass cutting is done every month. We also plant trees and replace decayed saplings on a regular basis,” says Thomas Oommen, association president.

The association has found a solution to the problem of garbage disposal.

Clubbing with the Indian Tobacco Company (ITC), the association makes sure that non-biodegradable waste like plastic covers and bottles are collected every fortnight by the ITC workers for recycling.

“We have annual meetings where the 2000 families in the association gather for a get-together. There are cultural activities on all occasions like Onam, Christmas, Children’s day etc. A women’s committee too works in full swing,” he said.

The association has appointed security staff for the safety of residents.

“Hardly any crime has been reported in this colony,” says Venugopal, a committee member.

Even though the association is trying its level best for the maintenance of the area they are banking on more support from the Corporation officials.

“We want the authorities to ensure proper cleaning of the Perandoor canal. The bridges here are narrow and that creates a lot of traffic problems.

Unauthorised parking of vehicles in this area reduces parking spaces and walking areas,” says Joseph Thomas, vice president of the association.

The association is planning new projects like building a new park and beautification of canal roads.

Last Updated on Friday, 08 January 2010 08:11
 

State mulls ban on import of plastic bags

Thursday, 07 January 2010 11:34 administrator
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Indian Express 07.01.2010

State mulls ban on import of plastic bags

Following the clampdown on illegally manufactured plastic bags below 50 microns, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is planning to ban large scale import of plastic bags into the state.

“Maharashtra has around 500 plastic bag manufacturing units. However, a major share is imported from other states. We now plan to meet the Home department officials to urge them to tighten vigil at toll nakas. Import of plastic below 50 microns has to be checked,” said Mahesh Pathak, member secretary of MPCB, on Wednesday.

MPCB sources said lakhs of thin plastic bags are brought into the city from Gujarat, Diu-Daman etc. “Outside Maharashtra, several states are allowed to manufacture even 20 micron thick plastic bags,” said an MPCB official. According to him, a major share of plastic bags comes from illegal fly-by-night manufacturers who can set up temporary factories with an investment of Rs 3 to 10 lakh. In coming days, three squads set up by the MPCB will carry out covert enquiries to locate the whereabouts of these unitsBesides manufacturers, importers and customers also should be checked and penalised,” he said.

Agreeing that customers and users have to be restricted to reduce the use of plastic, Valsa Nair Singh, environment secretary, said, “In fact, we plan for a proposal to levy a 30 per cent green tax on consumers demanding plastic bags from stores and hawkers.”

On September 17, 2009, the MoEF had issued a draft notification calling for a nationwide ban on plastic bags below 50 micron. The notification that is currently inviting suggestions and amendments from states will be finalised by the end of the year. Singh said, “In a list of suggestions which will sent to the ministry on Wednesday, we have specified that no plastic bag should be given free of cost to consumers and a cost should be printed on all bags. The charge could be as low as 50 paise,” she said.

Last Updated on Thursday, 07 January 2010 11:36
 
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