Months after announcing a plastic ban in the State, the Environment Department is considering a ban on chemical fertilisers, currently in force in agriculture.
On Wednesday, Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam said, “The plastic ban was essential to save the rivers, the seashore and the sea. While it is affecting biodiversity, it also has serious impacts such as a rise in temperature. At the same time, unregulated use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture leads to poisonous traces in foodgrains. This affects consumers’ health. As a result, my department is seriously considering the option to ban chemical fertilisers on the lines of the plastic ban.”
He was addressing a function organised by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on the occasion of World Environment Day.
‘Need for deliberations’
Mr. Kadam said the government will be aiming at minimising the use of chemical fertilisers and should focus entirely on organic farming. However, sources in the department said the decision to ban chemical fertilisers cannot entirely be that of the Environment Ministry.
“Others like the Agriculture Department and Industries Department are involved and a decision can be taken only after detailed deliberations,” said an officer.
The MPCB on Wednesday unveiled an Android-based mobile application called ‘Plastic Ban’ to spread awareness about the ban. Dr. P. Anbalagan, Member Secretary, MPCB, said, “We have observed that confusion still exists regarding the items that will be banned. Also, the part that not only producer and seller but the user too can penalised for plastic use is not being publicised. This application will help inform citizens about every aspect of the ban.”
The application will have all the information about the decision besides an interactive feature, which will enable sharing videos, messages about people who are working in conservation.
Cash awards
Mr. Kadam has also announced a prize of ₹25 lakh to a municipal corporation, ₹15 lakh to a municipal council and ₹10 lakh each to six grampanchayats (one from every revenue division), which will implement a 100% plastic ban in their jurisdiction.
