The order of National Green Tribunal (NGT) for banning the use of polythene in Haridwar and Rishikesh has been welcomed by the green activists. However, the majority of the people, including traders and merchants, have resented the order. Notably, on Monday, one trader from Bhimgoda market, Mukesh Agarwal poured kerosene on MNA Vipra Trivedi and then on himself, threatening to finish both after MNA had slapped a fine of `5,000 on him for using the banned item.
While ordering the ban, NGT chairperson said those who violate the order would be slapped with a penalty of Rs5000.It is pertinent to mention that NGT has passed the order on 2 July after receiving the report of the local commissioner Sharik Zaidi, who had inspected various sites in Haridwar and Rishikesh last month. The report said that the celebrated ghats of Ganga, particularly, Har ki Pauri, are suffering the effects of the rampant use of polythene the most.
NGT has instructed the district administration and municipal corporation of Haridwar (MCH) to implement the order strictly.
Mukhya Nagar Adhikari (MNA) Vipra Trivedi informed The Pioneer that she had received NGT order. They would act on the order on a priority, she said.
She added that the administration must cooperate with them to implement the order in full. District magistrate Haridwar HC Semwal has also instructed the functionaries of Vyapar Mandal to stop using polythene or else they would be slapped fines of Rs5000 as per the order.
Notably, NGT has asked the district administration and MCH to reply in a week, informing what steps they have taken to implement the order. Acting on the order, MNA Trivedi herself has led the drive against the use and sale of polythene in the city. She along with the staff and force reached Har Ki Pauri and Bhimgoda area of the district on Sunday and Monday to implement the order. When talked to, many roadside vendors, traders and merchants said they were unaware of any such order being issued by NGT.
The people across the board must be informed of the order in full details through campaigning, they said. Ranjit Singh, a trader doing business near Bhuma Niketan Ashram, said the concept was unclear to him though he had read about it in the newspapers.