Ban on single-use plastic items goes for a toss, authorities fail to take action

Shivani Bhakoo

Ludhiana, July 17

Though the state government had already banned single-use plastic items around two years ago, the same are being used by traders and residents openly in the various parts of the state despite the ban. Futile attempts were made by the state government time and again, but regretfully, nothing fruitful was achieved as single-use plastic products were widely utilised in marketplaces, places of worship, community langars, social gatherings, etc.

Randomly, this correspondent called a few shopkeepers to ask if plastic products were available with them. One of the attendants at a leading showroom near Kailash Chowk said both plastic and paper products were available.

“Disposable plastic plates were available for Rs 25 per 100 pieces, spoons Rs 65 for 100 pieces, glasses for Rs 40 for 45 pieces. Quantity is not an issue,” said the attendant. When asked if usage of the same could bring trouble as plastic products were banned, the attendant said: ”No issues, you can use them openly”.

Another shopkeeper in the Ghumar Mandi area said all single-time plastic products were available. “In case you need in bulk, please place an order so that we get the same from the godown,” the owner said.

Ironically, if the common man was easily getting all “banned” products in no time, what are law-enforcing agencies waiting for and not taking action against violators?

Rajiv Jain, who had a plastic manufacturing unit that was shut due to the ban on plastic products in the state, rued that the authorities had failed to curb the usage, stocking and marketing of the plastic items. “The plastic products are coming from other states such as Gujarat and Haryana and are stocked by traders in bulk outside city areas. If the authorities are not able to curb the usage, marketing of the product, why they are asking manufacturers not to run their units. Either there should be a complete ban on everything or the products should be allowed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the single-time plastic plates, spoons and glasses are being used all over at community kitchens and get-togethers. The authorities have failed to take any strict action against violators.

Rahul Tiwari, Administrative Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, under which the PPCB comes, said for challaning, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and officials in urban areas had been given powers as the PPCB was facing problem of staff crunch.

No action taken due to LS poll, says MC chief

Meanwhile, MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi said due to the Lok Sabha elections, entire focus was on poll but the department would again act against the menace and challan violators.

Easy availability

If the common man was easily getting all banned plastic products, what are law-enforcing agencies waiting for and not taking action against violators.