Till a fortnight ago, masala dosas at Sri Sai Fast Food and Tiffins in Somajiguda were wrapped in plastic paper and were accompanied by two thin carry bags containing sambar and chutney. Now, the dosa s are served on a plantain leaf. A few kilometres away is a mall that provides bags to shoppers for a refundable amount of Rs. 25. A vendor at Ameerpet refuses to sell vegetables to customers who do not bring along a cloth bag. Since the ban on plastic bags of up to 40 microns came into effect on July 1, small initiatives have sprung up across Hyderabad.
Pragathi Nagar in Kukkatpally, however, is unlikely to be impressed, for its residents have upheld the ‘no-plastic carry bags' policy since 2005.
They have shown how a slight change in lifestyle can go a long way in curbing the plastic menace. “There is a complete ban on thin carry bags in our colony. Even in a meat shop, the shopkeeper uses foil instead of a polythene cover,” says J. Lakshmi Kumari, the gram panchayat president.
According to her, their success formula lies in their ‘let's talk' policy. “We regularly talk to shop owners and motivate them. If they do not take the necessary steps, there is a fine and we close the shop for a day. One day's loss is enough for them to fall in line,” she says.
Making an impact
Subedar Venugopala Krishna Reddy, a technician in the army, is making his own impact on the environment with his team and with the support and encouragement from the commander. What was waste to others has become their ‘green wealth' as they have effectively recycled used milk sachets by creating a nursery. And the rain-water-harvesting pits constructed along the Alwal and Bolarum area have helped in increasing soil moisture and augmenting the ground water level of the area.
While these changes are welcomed, there are many who feel that only a total ban will ensure a safe environment. Says M. Vijay Ram of Emerald Mithai Shop, “If one wants to know how plastic has littered our drains and lakes, one has to go to rural areas and see how open spaces have been transformed into dump yards. The city's throwaway culture has now spread to villages. From ice-cream cups to carry bags, plastic in all forms is dumped without care,” he says.
Abhinav Gangumalla of Hyderabad Goes Green echoes these views.
“The person who has benefited the most from this ban is the shopkeeper. Earlier he would give a plastic carry bag for free but now he charges Rs. 2 for an eco-friendly cover.” His point of contention is the lack of clear instructions from the government about the usage of covers made from non-woven fabrics.
“A non-woven fabric, which looks like cloth, is banned in Delhi but is used here. Shouldn't there be clear-cut specifications about their usage?” he asks.
Experts agree that the path to a no-plastic society is not easy. “But it is not impossible. Much of the change has to come from citizens. We have not cared about the environment all these years. Let us start at least now, for our children's sake, and do our bit,” says Vijay Ram.
Eco-friendly Ganeshas
Vinayaka Chavithi on September 1 will bring back focus on the usage of artificial versus natural colours. Emerald Mithai launched five eco-friendly Ganeshas around eight years ago. Now, the number has risen to 1000 and Vijay Ram says it is a positive change.
