‘MCD failing to raise awareness against polythene, single use plastic’

Source: dailypioneer.com

Even after more than a month of the campaign that is being conducted by Municipal Corporation of Dehradun against polythene and single use plastic, the confusion about the banned products still prevails among the merchants and general public.

Activists state that it is due to the lack of Government policy and a comprehensive plan that variation in the interpretation of the judgement given by Uttarakhand High court can be seen across the State.

On the dispute that happened between MCD employees and merchants recently, municipal commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said, “As per the directions of Uttarakhand High court, five types of products are banned in the State, including polythene carry bags, plastic spoons, disposable cups of plastic, thermocol plates and plastic straws. Two days ago we received information that polythene used for packaging materials is being illegally used by vegetable vendors as carry bags in Jhanda Bazaar. On my direction our team went there and issued challan, however the merchants there said that they had no idea about this and assured that they will make sure that the polythene for packaging is not used as carry bags. They have also in good faith submitted a bag full of plastic spoons at MCD on Friday.”

The incident however raised question on the meetings that Mayor Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’, municipal commissioner Pandey and others conducted with merchant fraternity and other stakeholders.

Activist Soumya Prasad said, “The issue will not be solved unless the Uttarakhand Government passes a state act or policy. Our neighbouring State Himachal Pradesh in the year 2006 passed plastic waste management Act, which is way ahead of its time. If only our Government takes a leaf out of their book, maybe we can actually prohibit the use of polythene and single use plastic in Uttarakhand.”

After its human chain event slated for November 5, the MCD plans to start penalising those found violating the prohibition on polythene and plastic items.