Polypropyl8ene (resin) bags being used across the Capital City markets after blanket ban on polythene bags is likely to prove more perilous, say experts. Despite making attempts and issuing several warnings to retailers and wholesalers, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is yet to prohibit its use here. In the absence of stringent measures, the use of these polypropylene bags has considerably increased among the city residents.
When enquired about the steps taken so far by the Civic Body to curtail the use of these polypropylene bags from city markets, RMC City Manager, Swati Raj said, “Attempts are being made to ban these polypropylene bags, however, before banning these hazardous bags from market, it is necessary to bring in some affordable biodegradable carry bags. By far, we have been unable to contact any such Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or organization that will supply paper bags and jute bags in bulk to meet the market demands. Search for SHGs and such organizations are going on. Soon, special drives will be conducted to ban polypropylene bags.”
Environmentalist, Dr. Nitish Priyadarshi expressed his concern over the issue. “If polypropylene bags contain plastic elements, it must be banned immediately. Some reports have also come regarding it. I am analyzing the facts. The only way to ban this product completely is to promote the use of jute bags including other fabric bags on a much wider scale among the public. Also, polypropylene manufacturing units, supplying units operating in the State must be closed,” said, Dr. Priyadarshi.
Besides unavailability of paper bags, jute bags or any other biodegradable stuffs that is posing difficulty in meeting the market requirements, lack of awareness appears to be a pivotal cause as not many are familiar with the fact that polypropylene bags too contains element of plastics and is more dangerous than the normal plastic bags used earlier by the public. To fill the immediate demand and supply gap that emerged after completely barring the polythene bags got fulfilled after the flow of polypropylene bags but has again left both public and district administration in the same mess.
“I am not familiar with anything like this where these resin bags are considered to be more dangerous than the plastic bags. From supermarts to vegetable markets, everywhere, one can get these resin bags easily. Also, at one instance, it gives an individual a look that they are using a bag which is made up of cotton fabric,” said, an ignorant customer at Kutchery market.
As per the legal provisions, any individual found using polypropylene bags will have to pay Rs. 1 lakh as penalty amount. There is also a provision for one year imprisonment under the environmental laws on use of polypropylene bags which cannot be recycled like other fabric stuffs.