WE THE PEOPLE
SMC’s intensive drive against use of Polythene has started yielding positive dividends in Kashmir
But menace can be curbed only with Public Co-operation and by large-scale production of biodegradable plastic bags
By: Ahlam Masoodi
Srinagar: Despite harmful effects of the use of Polythene, there was no let-up in its sale and consumption in Kashmir valley, but it is gratifying that 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 production of biodegradable plastic bags on mass scale to meet day to day demands of common masses in the Valley of Kashmir.
It is a 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 shall 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.
The state High Court had earlier directed the state government to ban polythene in tourist places. But in absence of an alternative to the ploythene bags, the ban could not be implemented and sale and use of this harmful substance continued to flood Kashmir markets without any resistance so far.
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. Simataneouly 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 decompe 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.
However, it needs to be reiterated that the Division Bench of J&K High Court has given a landmark direction, directing complete ban on entry, use and sale of polythene bags, more particularly of less than 20 microns in the tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, in and around Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens and Hospitals in Srinagar and Jammu cities. The Chief Secretary had been directed to issue all consequential orders for imposing this ban and direct all concerned authorities to enforce it. The Court had also directed to evolve a mechanism for enforcing this ban from the prescribed date which might entail putting-up of barricades at entry points, deployment of requisite staff and engagement of adequate anti-polythene workers for preventing sale, use and littering of bags and for their removal etc. Further all shopkeepers, traders, management of hotels and other establishments in these prohibited areas had been restrained from selling/trading/using polythene Cary bags. Any violator of these directions was to be dealt with under law of the land.
However, it is encouraging to notice that the SMC has realized the horrible effects of polythene and launched a drive against its sale and use in the Valley but the government must take steps to adopt alternative products, which are eco-friendly. People must also extend full cooperation to the authorities in nipping the evil in the bud.
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