Joining hands to embrace the change, the blanket ban call on ploythene bags which had created much hue and cry in the past is slowly gathering acceptance by the residents of the capital city all.
For 35-year old Geetanjali, a homemaker, the State government’s call to completely ban the use of polythene bags is worth commendable. According to her, dumping poly bags in open is not just perilous but also convey erroneous message to people especially to the young generation.
Similarly, after this recent decision of implementing the ban, the local vendors too are happy and have wholeheartedly welcomed this much needed change directly linked with environmental conservation.
One of the local vendors at New Market area said,
“The decision of the State Government is good. What is more exiting is that people now have started using jute bags. We too are finding it convenient.
Earlier, all shopkeepers were requested not to use plastic bags of less than 50 micron thickness inside the Municipal Corporation area which was little tedious for us to follow.”
The step of the State Government in a bid to conserve the environment has been welcomed by nature lovers, quite expectedly. Dr. Nitish Priyadarshi, a working geologist who also covers different environmental issues said,
“The decision is appreciable but before completely banning plastics, rigorous awareness drives must be conducted. Also, the district administration must ensure that all plastic manufacturing units functioning in State must be immediately seized before penalizing the small vendors and retailers.”
The nodal agencies working for executing the ban from November 15 besides forming special task forces have urged to the business organisations to support the cause.
The Municipal Commissioner recently had instructed the zonal supervisors to nab the violators found infringing the prescribed guidelines.
According to the plan drafted by RMC heads, 11 teams have been given the responsibility of conducting raids and to penalise the defaulters.Considering the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, those violating the norms would be punished under section 15 of Environment Protection Act 1986.
The preliminary penalty involves complain in consumer court, if the magistrate found the person guilty, a fine amount of Rs 1 lakh including five years imprisonment term is imposed on the defaulters.
Geared up completely to ban this hazardous substance, the district administration is seeking the help of Self help groups (SHGs) to fill the demand and supply gap. Ranchi DC Manoj Kumar has assured that plastic ban would not impinge on the chain.
Promoting the use of green bags, the district administration team has collaborated with Jharkhand State livelihood Promotion Society (JSlPS) for identifying different SHGs that makes biodegradable carry bags, so that retailers and shopkeepers do not face the carry bags crisis in the days to come.
Eyeing on the market share that will open the door of immense opportunities for women folks associated with cottage industries, Jayshree Indwar, founder of Stambh NGO said,
“The decision to ban polythene ban is useful for us in several ways. Earlier, we just use to make jute bags as per the order received. There was a seasonal demand for jute bags.
Now, several women will get benefit out of this boosting their livelihoods.”