From Tuesday, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will seize plastic bags less than 40 micron in thickness within its jurisdiction, Commissioner Siddaiah told presspersons here on Monday.
With the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) setting a March 15 deadline to implement the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2009, the BBMP's technical staff will randomly test bags being sold and seize them if they don't measure up.
“While the enforcement authority will be the KSPCB, the BBMP will be responsible for safe collection, segregation, transportation and disposal of plastic,” he said.
Ruled out
KSPCB's Chief Environmental Officer M.D.N. Simha ruled out the postponement of the enforcement date. He claimed that no application has come to the KSPCB for renewal of registration, as required by the rules.
“If the manufacturers don't comply, KSPCB is empowered to issue closure notice, cut off power and water connections and, in extreme cases, prosecute,” he said.
Plastics manufacturers directed a volley of questions at Mr. Simha.
Karnataka Plastic Manufacturers' Association president Chandra Mohan wanted to know how KSPCB would help the traders and manufacturers liquidate the current stock of plastics that are less than 40 micron in thickness.
‘Not clear'
A representative from the Peenya Plastic Manufacturers' Association said the rules for multi-layer plastic bags were not clear.
Mr. Simha urged the manufacturers to submit a representation to the KSPCB, which would then seek a clarification from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
