Stressing the significance of implementing the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board’s (TNPCB) directive that only plastic bags less than 40 microns can be manufactured by units, the Madras High Court said that the ultimate solution was to take efforts to bring about a change in the mindset of people.
Disposing of a plea, after perusing the affidavit filed by TNPCB, the First Bench comprising Chief Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, in a recent order, said that directions issued by it should be strictly enforced.
“We are conscious that howsoever well worded the directions are, ultimately the issue is implementation at the ground level and thus, proper care should be taken at the ground level, including endeavours to make change in the mindset of the people, which is the ultimate solution,” the Bench said.
Petitioner Akila sought a direction to respondents to immediately take preventive measures, including prosecution of offenders, who sell the plastic carry bags to their customers.
During the hearing of the case, TNPCB informed the court that certain resolutions have been passed to ensure prevention of sale of plastic carry bags less than 40 microns and the implementation process was being worked out.
Suggestions
The court was also informed about the meeting earlier this year involving TNPCB officials, Chennai Corporation, Commissioner of Municipal Administration, Department of Industries and Commerce, Department of Commercial Taxes, where certain suggestions were made, such as traders should not engage in trading plastic bags less than 40 microns, shall ensure registration of all plastic manufacturers, plastic manufacturers shall find suitable methods for disposal of non-recyclable waste material under the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility.
The ultimate solution is to take efforts to bring about a change in the mindset of people, says court
