To ensure a strict implementation of the single-use plastic ban, civic bodies have intensified an anti-plastic drive to make Jamshedpur single-use plastic-free. DC Vijaya Jadhav has urged residents to spread awareness about the ill effects of single-use plastic pollution on health and the environment and to promote the use of sustainable alternatives among their kin.
Under the drive, anyone found selling or using a plastic carry bag has to pay a penalty which ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 10,000 by the officials of Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC), Mango Notified Area Committee (MNAC) and Jugsalai Municipality. Several fines were recovered during the drive on Wednesday.
The ban on single-use plastic has come as a significant step to reduce pollution. The Centre has issued guidelines to the states for banning the use of select single-use plastics effectively from July 1, 2022. The guidelines mandate a ban on manufacturing, distribution, import, sale, stocking, and use of single-use plastic items such as glasses, plates, cutlery, cups, wrapping or packaging films, and PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers, and straws.
"We are in support of the anti-plastic drive. But unfortunately, if we talk about the JNAC area, most of the people use plastic, they use plastics instead of paper and are not willing to provide an alternative like cloth bags," said a resident.
Ashish Mittal, resident of Sakchi, "We never use plastic bags as they are harmful to our surroundings. It destroys the natural ecosystem, pollutes our stormwater water drains and more. Not only I but also our children are discouraging the use of single-use plastic. We always carry our cloth bags to the market."
While many residents have appreciated this drive, some have also raised their doubts. Another resident said, "Why is JNAC and police not taking any action against the single-use plastic manufacturer, distributors. Such plastics can be found in any shop and weekly bazaar. Only hard action can resolve this big issue and the impact of this activity will be very less."
Acting on instruction given by DC Vijaya Jhadav, the special officers of all the three civic bodies have set up teams for the drive across the city. "The drive is aimed at keeping the city free from polluting and hazardous plastic carry bags. The drive will continue during which we will also try to make the traders as well as the users understand that such carry bags are 100 percent banned and if found selling or using them will attract a penalty," said an official.