Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 5: The city corporation commissioner has reminded the people that apart from enforcing a ban on the use of plastic bags that are less than the standard prescribed, an operation was conducted within the corporation limits on January 19 this year. He said that it is disheartening to note that people and merchants, in spite of the above steps, continue to use banned variety of plastic carry bags, which harm the environment and fertility of the land, and recycled plastic bags transform the food items into toxic ones. Burnt plastic pollutes environment and proves hazardous for health of the residents. These bags also block flow of water in underground drainages, he added.

Under Environment Protection Act 1986, and Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rules 1999, the union environment and forest ministry has issued a notification which also contains modified rules 2011, banning use of plastic items that are less thicker than 40 microns by hotels, shops, bakeries, vegetables, fish, meat vendors etc. The Supreme Court has banned use of plastic for packaging gutkha, tobacco, pan masala etc., from March 1, 2011, he has noted.

The commissioner, while asking people and merchants not to use recycled plastic carry bags for storing or carrying of food items, also has warned that those who violate these rules will be liable for fine and other steps as prescribed in law.