The Hindu : Ban on polythene bags in Srinagar

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Friday, May 09, 2003

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Ban on polythene bags in Srinagar

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR MAY 8. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has started a vigorous drive to implement the blanket ban on the use of polythene bags here and in other parts of Kashmir.

The ban was first announced in Gulmarg by the newly set up Gulmarg Development Authority during the winter games. The Health Officer of the SMC, Shafqat Khan, said the ban had started showing results. Some shopkeepers had already disposed off their stocks and started using paper bags. "We are aware of its hazards but the Government should book the wholesale dealers first," said a shopkeeper.

"We are trying to create awareness among the masses to shun the use of polythene through seminars. Our main thrust will be on students, who can educate people on the need to avoid the use of polythene," said Dr. Khan.

"After seizing the polythene bags, we destroy them. So far, we have achieved thirty per cent control over the use of polythene in the city. People are also responding positively."

According to SMC authorities, the business in polythene bags involved about Rs. 30 crores annually. The deadline for the dealers to exhaust their stocks was April 30 but it had been extended. But the ban was already in force, Dr. Khan said. While there are more than 15 stockists in the city, there are no manufacturing units. In the first stage of implementation of the ban, a squad from the municipality would seize the polythene bags; in the second, those found involved in the trade would be dealt with severely.

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