The Pioneer 18.05.2013
Meeting discusses roadmap for polythene-free Ranchi
The Urban Development department has taken the route of awareness, punishment, monetary rewards, monitoring, candle march and prizes to reach the goal of “polythene free Ranchi” by June 5.
The roadmap was laid at a meeting called by the department and ward councillors of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Friday. Notably, Government has banned use of polythene with thickness of less than 40 micron and measuring 18X12 inches in size with effect from June 1.
While the ambitious movement against polythene will kick start on June 4 with awareness rally in every ward of Ranchi the respective ward councillors have been asked to monitor the drives to ensure desired result by June 5, also observed as the World Environment Day.
“The drive commences from today and will continue till June 5 after which penal provisions will come into effect,” said Deputy Mayor RMC, Sanjeev Vijayvargiya.
Significantly, Principal Secretary Urban Development, Arun Kumar Singh urged the councillors to start a special drive in their respective wards encourage people to “donate polythene” and administering pledge to the residents to discourage the use of polythene in future. “The CEO of RMC will provide vehicles for the purpose,” said Singh.
Singh also suggested bestowing monetary rewards on first three wards for achieving the goal besides distributing certificate of admiration to corresponding councillors.
A committee will also be formed to assess the performances in each ward. While the first ward to become polythene free will get a reward of Rs 2 lakh, the second ward will get Rs 1 lakh and the third ward will be rewarded with Rs 50,000.
The ward councillors who seemed equally committed to the goal made several suggestions which were accepted by the Urban Development department without any reservation. Based on the suggestions given, the department directed RMC to start a toll-free number, form a mohalla level committee and starting ‘say no to poly-bags’ campaign in Ranchi.
“The toll-free number will help in registering complain against those defying the order of not dumping polythene in drains and other areas,” said councillor of ward-28 Ashok Baraik, who suggested the idea.
Interestingly, the Urban Development department also lauded the idea of establishing an “oil extraction” plant to recycle polythene. However, the department has not specified any time frame to implement the idea on the ground. “The idea is worth considering and we will find out the cost of such machines,” was Singh’s only response to the idea.
Action against polythene suppliers, users
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner (DC), Vinay Kumar Choubey held a meeting with polythene suppliers on May 17. The meeting was called to enforce ban on use of polythene of less than 40 micron.
Addressing the suppliers, Ranchi DC said the next phase will target polythene of less than 50 micron. Choubey also informed the suppliers that the quantum of fine for using polythene of less than 40 micron will be decided under sections of IPC 133(B) and Jharkhand Municipal Act 2011.
Choubey requested the vegetable vendors and medicine shops to not use polythene. Action will be initiated against manufacturing and use of polythene after May 31, added Choubey.
