Amidst rising concerns over plastics bags’ use degrading environment, the Centre on Thursday said that it is considering to have a legislation to end the use of plastic materials, particularly polythene bags. When the members of Rajya Sabha led by Sharad Yadav demanded a complete ban on the manufacturing units of plastic bags, MoS Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that presently there is no such proposal to ban manufacture and use of plastic bags.
“The Government has no proposal to ban manufacture and use of plastic bags in the country. However, the manufacture, sale, stocking and use of plastic carry bags of less than 40 micron in thickness is prohibited,” Rijiju who was replying to questions of the members during the Question Hour said. He, however, agreed to a suggestion by Yadav for bringing in a legislation to put an end to use of plastic bags.
The JD(U) leader suggested that use of plastic bags should be dealt with strictly and if required units manufacturing such bags should be closed down. “It’s a good suggestion and we will take it into consideration,” he said, replying to Yadav.
Rijiju admitted that lack of provisions to stop manufacturing of plastic bags was also coming in the way of putting a check on their use. He said the Government was promoting the use of alternative materials such as jute and paper bags.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut suggested that though plastic industry generates huge employment and business turnover, usage of bags made out of such material should be banned. The environmental impact of plastic waste has been examined by various committees in the past. The reports of such committees indicate that plastic bags, if not collected systematically, choke drains and create unhygienic conditions and deteriorate soil quality, Rijiju said.
Municipal authorities are authorised to collect, transport and dispose of plastic waste. “The States of Sikkim, Nagaland, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, lakshwadeep and Chandigarh have banned use of carry bags,” Rijiju said.