WE THE PEOPLE
Despite Blanket Ban on Polythene, its Use and Sale remains unchecked in Kashmir valley
Hence people demand implementation of Ban, Stringent action against Law-breakers
By: M. Shirjeel/MNS
Srinagar: It is most quite baffling to observe that even after imposing a state-wide ban on use of polythene bags, huge quantities of the hazardous material continues to make its way into Kashmir valley. Alarmed by the development, the Deputy Chief Minister is on record to have directed Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to check the re-emergence of polythene bags in Srinagar city. He has directed the said officials to ensure polythene bag stocks are confiscated at the entry points to the city.
But the open sale and usage of Polythene in Kashmir markets establishes beyond any shadow of doubt that State Functionaries have either gone into hibernation or are in deep nexus with the Dealers and Shopkeepers as; otherwise, it is not possible that Law of the land shall be violated in such a big way. The shoppers are delivered goods in small and big polythene bags, depending upon size and volume of their purchased items, without any fear from any quarter. This is a sad reflection on the mess created by those, who are supposed to exercise complete vigil on the markets and book the violators of the Law.
It is worth mentioning that the Supreme Court of India had come out in its Direction and upheld the ban imposed by J&K government on the Entry, Use and Sale of Polythene. This decision had closed all doors for the dealers to deal with this product in the State. A Bench headed by Chief Justice, while dismissing the J&K Polythene Manufacturers and Traders Association plea opposing blanket ban, had remarked the Notification in this regard had been issued by the State government and the traders should approach the J&K High Court.
The J&K State is the first state in the country to have a fully dedicated Bio-plastic product manufacturing facility. The J&K Agro Industries Limited was going for a joint venture with M/S EARTHSOUL for the manufacture of 100% biodegradable and compostable products. This was reported to be India’s first integrated biopolymer facility.
It was given to understand that with an installed capacity of producing nearly 960 MTs, the state of the art facility would start production by October, 2009. With this, natural biodegradable bio-bags would be cost effective substitute to currently used polythene bags. Besides, it would be manufacturing plant pots and trays for floriculture, carry bags for all shopping Sector.
But it is disheartening to observe that there is now no let-up in its sale and consumption in some parts of Kashmir valley as the practice of the officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation along with Police to seize polythene seems to have been stopped. They had succeeded to a great extent in its sale and use in the Valley in general and city of Srinagar in particular. It was reported that large quantities of polythene had been seized when the drive was on, which had forced the shopkeepers to use paper and cotton bags.
The menace can be curbed completely only after people extend cooperation to the officials and the State government goes for the production of biodegradable plastic bags on mass scale to meet day to day demand of common masses in the Valley of Kashmir. It is worth mentioning that the bio-plastic products decompose in a few months and increase fertility of soil. It was further learnt that the government had cleared the project and identified land at Baribrahmna Industrial Estate Jammu for setting up the unit in collaboration with the above stated Manufacturers, the only manufacturers of biodegradable products in India.
Hence people urge the government to get the ban implemented forcefully and book the Law-breakers to curb the menace in the valley of Kashmir.
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