Total Plastic ban from April 1 in Belagavi ?
The State Government on March 11 issued an official gazette notification stating a complete and total ban on plastic and all plastic and thermacol products in the State.
The government notification makes specific mention that plastic, no matter its thickness, is banned across the State. “No shopkeeper, vendor, wholesale dealer, retailer, trader, hawker or salesman shall use plastic carry bags, plastic banners, plastic buntings, flex, plastic flags, plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic spoons, cling film and plastic sheets for spreading on dinning table, irrespective of thickness including the above items made of thermacol and plastic, which use plastic micro beeds”. The only exemption granted is for the export units, apart from the plastic used for milk and milk products and plant nurseries.
No industry or person shall manufacture, supply, store, transport, sell and distribute plastic in Karnataka. The notification makes specific mention that plastic, no matter its thickness, will be banned across the State.
The State government has empowered a range of officials — that of the municipalities and several other departments — to enforce the ban, and it is imperative on them to exhibit their commitment.
Enforcing a complete ban on plastic in the entire State without government backing and co-operation from all departments will be difficult
The reasons behind the plastic ban, the notification speaks of plastic becoming a hazard to the environment, blocking of gutters, sewers and drains apart from resulting in pollution of water bodies in urban areas.
The local administration is gearing up to implement this ban.