The anti-polythene drive has hit red tape prevalent in the Government corridors and it appears that in all probability, the effort will meet the same fate as other similar prohibitory regulations have in Jharkhand.
When contacted about the little progress or movement on the front — an effort that started with much fanfare with Governor Syed Ahmed starting it throughout the State — it transpired that the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) is awaiting a Government order.
Chairperson of JSPCB Mani Shankar said, “The ordinance will provide powers to Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to slap fine on the violators of the Act. According to the Act, RMC will impose a fine of Rs 50 on people found using 40 microns less plastic cover and Rs 100 on shopkeeper.”
He further added, “I have been trying very hard to convert this draft into an ordinance. We all are aware about our State political system, the file is moving from one table to another. From past four years I have been moving from
pillar to post with no result as the outcome.” Even after four months, the file is yet to be put up for the consideration first to the Advisory council of the Governor and now before the Cabinet.
Principal Secretary of Environment and Forest Department Alka Tiwari said, “The file is now on the table of Chief minister Hemant Soren and after his consent the it will be put up for the consideration of the cabinet.”
Amid the all these, nature lovers are worried about unabated use of polythene by vegetable sellers and shopkeepers. "I do not see any kind of fear and even awareness about the ban among the general public and authorities. People still carry number of bags with them. It looks like the fate of this drive would be like we see about Gutkha," said Rajnish Jaiswal, a resident of Kanke Road.
General feeling is that the amount of awareness and momentum the drive had generated in the early stage is losing its steam and slowly it would be reduced just a money making venture for policemen with no effective mechanism or enthusiasm.