Quick on the heels of the Government ordering polythene bag ban in the State and issuing a notification, the pollution watchdog of Jharkhand has issued notices to the all urban local bodies (UlBs) requesting them to frame required bylaws and to complete other preparatory exercises soon.
The Jharkhand State Pollution Board (JSPCB) has taken the step since despite the notification having been issued last week not much effect is seen on ground so far and uses of polythene carry bags are still continuing in most parts of the State.
“We are heading in the direction to implement the order in its letter and spirit. Major role is to be played out by UlBs and gram panchayats and we have written all municipal corporations to frame bylaws for their respective jurisdiction. Also, letters have been sent to all DCs to make it implemented,” said Sanjay Kumar Suman, Member Secretary with the Board.
JSPCB is mainly focusing on plastic made carry bags due to its prevalence in day to day life. Under the notification, use of plastic carry bags with thickness below 50 micron, its trade, import, storage, distribution etc have been banned.
“But we need related mechanism such as equipments to measure the thickness, designate officials for conducting raids etc. Under the Environment Conservation Act, officials such as DC, SDO, magistrate and authorities with the pollution board are made eligible to act. However, a similar list of officials has to come up at UlBs who are primarily going to make the ban realise on ground,” said the Member Secretary.
Under the provisions of the EC Act, the violators have to be booked maximum for five years and slapped with fine up to Rs one lakh but implementing agencies can adjust with the fine depending on feasibility. “We are working to frame our bylaws. Considering the local condition the RMC would be setting its own penalty list and constitute teams to conduct raids. The task would be completed in next one week of so,” said a RMC official.
Moreover, the JSPCB is at the first hand is stressing more on generating awareness against the uses of polybags among the masses. “It is more about making people aware in this regard. We are going to work extensively in that direction through media advertisements and other forms of public communication in next few days. Just slapping fine is not going to do things as we have to ensure that the drive does not get reduced to red-tapism,” said a Board official, admitting to the fact that not so strict implementation is seen as of now and sought for some time to implement the decision.