WE THE PEOPLE
CM’s commitment to stick to the ban on Polythene bound to discourage its Sale and Use in J&K State
But Environmentalists urge Civil Society to play their role to help State functionaries to nip evil in the bud
By: M. Shirjeel
Srinagar: The submission of Memorandum by the members of J&K Polythene Manufacturers and Traders Association led by the Minister for Revenue and Relief to the State Chief Minister the other day proves that the ban imposed by the government has shaken them to the hilt. The requested for banning the import of polythene, which is 80 per cent as per their assessment, in the first phase and the 20 per cent manufactured in the state in the second phase so that local manufacturers could get a breathing time to switch over to other business. They also appealed for special package to help them to take to other business activities as soon as possible. The Chief Minister has reportedly assured the deputationists of redressal of their grievances but reiterated that the ban on polythene shall remain in force in the state. This has gone well with the Environmentalists, who have been crying on house tops and urging Authorities to nip the evil in the bud. However, credit goes to the officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, who intensified drive against its sale and use in the Valley of Kashmir.
It needs to be stated with emphasis that there was no let-up in its sale and consumption in Kashmir valley till the officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation launched a tirade against this menace and have succeeded to a great extent in its sale and use in the Valley in general and city of Srinagar in particular. It is reported that large quantities of polythene have been seized and the drive is on, which has forced the shopkeepers to use paper and cotton bags. But the menace can be curbed completely only after people extend cooperation to the officials and the State government goes for alternative material like production of biodegradable plastic bags on mass scale to meet day to day demands of common masses in the Valley of Kashmir.
None can dispute the fact that tones of polythene bags used to flood Kashmir markets with no one to cry a halt and that too contrary to the directions of the highest Court of the State. However, it is gratifying to learn that the government owned JK Agro Industries in collaboration with an Italian Company Earth Soul is going to manufacture ‘bio-plastics’ made of corn, wheat, and potato starch. Since these eco-friendly bags are completely biodegradable, so these will go a long way in preserving our environment.
It is learnt that the plan to use bio-plastics has taken shape after research and a series of brainstorming meetings with experts including CEO and founder of Earth Soul, Pereces Bilmore have taken place. In the first year, the government is reported to import potato and corn starch from Switzerland. Simultaneously the Agro Industries is understood to cultivate the required varieties of corn and potato in the valley.
It is worth mentioning that the bio-plastic products decompose in a few months and increase fertility of soil. It is further learnt that the government has cleared the project and identified land at Baribrahmna Industrial Estate Jammu for setting up the unit in collaboration with Earth Soul India, the only manufacturers of biodegradable products in India.
But Environmentalists urge Civil Society to play their role to help State functionaries to the nip evil in the bud. It is not only harmful to humans but to animals too. Experts term it more injurious and more harmful than dreaded disease of cancer!
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