There was a three-metre-long chain of plastic bags in the intestine of an elephant that died at Valiyanavattom, near Sabarimala, earlier this year. Though this is the first recorded incident in the State in which plastic consumption was found to be the primary cause of an elephant’s death, there have been any number of instances of plastic carry bags being retrieved by veterinarians from the digestive system of animals, especially cows. If such incidents did not make the officials sit up and take note, listen to the World Economic Forum study that says that our oceans will have more plastics than fish by 2050 and the World Health Organisation’s finding that 80% of tap water as well as bottled water available for consumption across the world consists of micro plastics.
Plastic is as useful as it is an evil and hence a total ban is impractical. But that is not the case of plastic carry bags, which contribute only 10% of waste across the globe and still manage to make waste management a herculean task for governments across the world, especially India. There have been efforts to control the use of plastic carry bags either through a ban or through effective recycling across the world. ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ is the theme of this year’s World Environment Day on June 5, for which India is the global host.
Eighteen States in the country have imposed a ban on plastic carry bags, the latest being Maharashtra. In March this year, Maharashtra imposed a blanket ban on plastic carry bags irrespective of thickness, following a High Court order. And that raises the question why Kerala, which boasts of a superior level of education compared to other States, is indifferent to the problem posed by plastic carry bags?
Government non-committal
The State government has been non-committal on the issue despite the Kerala High Court seeking an explanation four times based on three petitions demanding a complete ban on plastic carry bags. “The State Department of Environment is least interested in the matter. The Cabinet has never discussed the issue despite the High Court’s demand to solve it. The Chief Minister, who holds the Environment portfolio, has never tried to hold a meeting of experts in the field on this matter,” said Harish Vasudevan, lawyer and environmentalist, who has been spearheading a campaign against plastic.
The State had issued a circular against burning of plastics and had directed the local bodies to take firm action against those who violated the order. Ironical, though it might seem, its stand on the issue is that State governments do not have the power to impose a blanket ban on plastic carry bags as the Central Environment Protection Act authorises the use of carry bags that are thicker than 40 microns. It also claims that there are no viable alternatives to plastic carry bags. However, those who had approached the High Court seeking a ban on plastic carry bags point out that Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act has empowered States to take any action for environment protection. As for alternatives, bio-plastics and starch based compostable plastics, approved by the Central Pollution Control Board, have been suggested. However, the State has reiterated its stand in the last affidavit filed at the Court. “It is sheer lack of administrative will. The powerful plastic manufacturers’ lobby may be influencing those in power,” alleged S. Seetharaman, president, All Kerala River Protection Council.
The ball is now in the court of the Kerala High Court which has taken an active interest in the matter. Its decision is crucial as the government or local bodies have not been able to effectively implement the restrictions on thickness of plastic. “Plastic bags thinner than 50 microns have been banned. But other than at super markets, most vendors still manage to procure it. Except for a few like those at Attingal and Mulanthuruthi, the local bodies have failed to check its use,” said Mr. Sitaraman, citing the need for a change in the mentality of people regarding carry bags and to encourage use of sustainable material.
“Ban on plastic carry bags is the only solution to the severe plastic pollution the State faces. Once there is a compelling situation, people would seek out alternatives by default,” Mr. Vasudevan said.
