BELAGAVI
Instead, they are being politely advised to carry their own cloth or jute bags in smaller shops, while the larger stores offer them paper bags.
The city\'s administration has launched a massive operation since June 1, in a determined bid to ensure that Belagavi city is plastic-free, after adhering to Karnataka government\'s policy of banning plastic bags since March.
“The ban on use of plastic bags and allied products will continue as per the statutory provisions until the city is plastic free,” Commissioner of City Corporation of Belagavi (CCB) G Prabhu told The Goan.
Admitting that many Goan visitors may not be aware about Belagavi city\'s new anti-plastic campaign, Prabhu said, “We appeal to Goans visiting Belagavi to carry their own cotton or jute bags while visiting the city, as a mark of cooperation and to avoid inconvenience.”
The CCB has an effective strategy in place to impose the ban which is being implemented by the special squads that have been formed for the purpose.
Commencing the implementation, the teams have been conducting raids at units engaged in manufacturing non-essential plastic products like flex boards, banners, posters, flags and bags. Monitored by the commissioner, the four squads that have been formed have already started showing results.
“Belagavi city produces solid waste of about 220 metric tonnes everyday, of which about 40 per cent is plastic waste. Water bodies in the area are getting contaminated and unless stringent action is initiated, plastic waste will have hazardous effects,” said Prabhu.
“We have carried out about 700 raids in showrooms, plastic shops and other establishments, collecting Rs 1.5 lakh in fines. The government has banned the use of plastic bags and is committed in eradicating its use, irrespective of the thickness of the plastic material.”
“The Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment Secretariat had already issued a notification banning hazardous plastic in the state. Subsequently, measures will be taken to eradicate other plastic products like water bottles,” Prabhu told The Goan.
According to rules, action initiated includes penalties and fines against manufacturers, dealers, traders and vendors selling plastic bags and other material in violation of the notification.
The ban includes the manufacture, storage, sale of plastics products such as carry bags, glasses, plates, cups, plastic flags, buntings, flexes, banners, plastic sheets used on dining tables in marriage halls, plastic used for sale of chips, goods manufactured by thermocol and micro beads.
“A penalty ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 is being levied on those defying the ban orders as per the law. We are implementing the task by promoting awareness against the use of plastic and by strictly implementing the provisions,” Prabhu said.
Afraid of CCB\'s crackdown on the sale and use of plastic, shops, restaurants and other establishments have stopped providing customers with plastic bags and other banned plastic items.
Similarly, the Belagavi District Plastic Manufacturing Association has also closed down plastic material trading shops for an indefinite period.
