Expressing concern over clogging drains and beaches getting inundated with plastic waste, Vizagapatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sought action on a war-footing to fight the menace.
Citing how the authorities in Indonesia declared an emergency on plastic waste at Bali seaside resort after the plastic waste problem assumed alarming proportions, VCCI president A.V. Monish Row said the civic authorities should take the issue seriously and initiate prompt action immediately.
The recent rains had exposed the deteriorating situation in the city when plastic waste dumped on the beach came to the adjoining road and clogged drains caused inundation of several areas like One Town.
The rainy season will bring vast quantities of plastic trash into the stormwater drains and nallahs, clogging them and causing flooding of low lying areas. Also, much of this will find its way into the sea, thereby ultimately affecting our beaches,” he said.
Mr. Row said plastic waste in the oceans was a huge problem not just for the people but the world as a whole. AP is trying to woo tourism as a generator of revenue and employment. Not addressing this problem would not just be detrimental in the efforts of tourism but would add fuel to the fire if the footfalls do go up, he cautioned.
He sought steps for efficient cleaning of marine trash and plastic waste on a sustained basis from four to five of main beaches like RK, Rushikonda, Yarada and Mangamaripeta and education of both children and adults and especially beach-goers not to dump plastic waste.
Action plan
Asking for frequent announcement and signage, he said the number of waste bins should be increased at the beaches to minimise improper usage as well as overflowing. An action plan on plastic waste control should be finalised and a policy adopted to holistically reduce marine and beach thrash.
On involving the stakeholders, he said ships being big contributors of trash he wanted Vizag Port to be involved in reducing it. Similarly, trawlers and fishing boats should be told through the Fisheries Department, trawler associations, MPEDA to stop it.
