Even as four months have passed since Director of Environment Dr K Murugesan suggested to the Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary and the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to form taskforce committees for monitoring ban on use of polythene in the State, no action has been taken as yet.
Former MlA and Odisha Krushak Sangha chairman Bibhudendra Prasad Das, on whose representation the Environment Director made the suggestion on January 31, 2018, expressed concern over non-implementation of the suggestion.
Expressing concern that polythene carry bags were still being used despite steps taken by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Das had urged for implementation of provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 in the State so that use of polythene carry bags can be stopped and the mission of the Swachh Bharat can be achieved.
The Environment Director has suggested to the SPCB Member Secretary to constitute Taskforces led by SPCB Regional Officers with representatives of municipal corporations, municipalities, Health and Sales Tax departments to implement Das’ suggestion for effective implementation of provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Notably, a State level Advisory Committee has already been in place for effective monitoring of the rules.