The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is finally practising what it preaches.
The civic body has issued an order banning all single-use plastic bottles and disposables in all its offices and at BBMP programmes. The order will be implemented with immediate effect.
The BBMP, which is responsible for solid waste management in the city, has been trying to enforce the plastic ban in Bengaluru. In recent months, it had sent advisories to bulk generators, including wedding and banquet halls, asking them to adhere to the plastic ban. However, the civic body continued to use plastic bottles and disposables in its offices and programmes.
The palike is now making amends. In a tweet on Saturday, Randeep D., Special Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, BBMP, said: “By order of Hon'ble @BBMPCOMM, single use packaged drinking water bottles and other single use plastic disposables are banned in all BBMP offices including Head Office and also in all public programmes organised by BBMP, with immediate effect.”
In an order dated December 22, BBMP Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad ordered all BBMP offices to stop usage of plastic bottles and disposables, such as plastic plates, cups and spoons. In the order, he has asked officers to invest in Common Drinking Water Dispensing System and steel glasses. “The expenses for this can be billed by the offices to the BBMP,” says the order.
Mr. Prasad told The Hindu , “Most of the offices already have RO plants. Water can be served from these. We have also asked caterers supplying food for meetings to only provide reusable cutlery.”
The initiative will also cut spending on plastic bottles for the BBMP. “We have been spending over ₹1 crore every year on plastic bottles. This will stop now. But, more than the money, we want to send out a message about the need to stop plastic usage,” he added.
The commissioner also said the civic body is planning a concrete action plan to implement the plastic ban in letter and spirit. “So far, only advisories have been issued. Soon, we will pass orders to penalise those who don't abide by the law,” Mr. Prasad added.
