Use of polybags continues unabated despite ban
Despite ban, usage of plastic carry bags continues across the city, thanks to lackadaisical attitude of civic body in taking action.
Despite ban, usage of plastic carry bags continues across the city, thanks to lackadaisical attitude of civic body in taking action.
Even though in the first month of imposition of ban the Municipal Corporation Jalandhar (MCJ) had carried out frequent raids in various corners of the city.
Due to the raids, shopkeepers had stopped giving polythene bags and people had stopped the usage at least openly.
The situation has again reached to ground zero as now shopkeepers, vegetable vendors and public in general are using plastic carry bags openly.
There is no fear of being penalized by the civic body.
The ban was implemented in Jalandhar on May 1, though government notification was issued on April 1.
Municipal Corporation Jalandhar officials admitted the fact that lately they have not been carrying raids.
Officials said that since they have been ‘preoccupied’ with the fogging work, they have not been able to effectively impose the ban.
Meanwhile, members of Jalandhar Plastic and Traders Association have criticized Municipal Corporation Jalandhar ’s ineffectiveness in taking action against the groups supplying plastic carry bags in the market the local manufacturers has stopped the supply.
“Despite the fact that local plastic manufacturers faced loss due to ban, the civic body failed to live up to its promise of making Jalandhar, an environment friendly city,” said plastic manufacturer Rajat Duggal.
“Plastic manufacturers are making plastic bags above 50 microns since beginning,” said a plastic manufacture.
“But due to ban we had stop the production and diverted to packaging material. The industry has faced a huge loss due to this,” he added.
Plastic manufacturers claimed that the plastic bags being used are being imported from Gujarat and Delhi and are being supplied freely under the nose of municipal corporation.
“We will intensify action against the violators and start frequent raids from Tuesday onwards,” said Dr Shri Kishan Sharma, assistant medical officer, Municipal Corporation Jalandhar.
Municipal Corporation Jalandhar has issued 270 challans in the period of four months, assistant medical officer Sharma informed.