SRINAGAR : Despite the official ban on the use of polythene it is being used across the valley by shopkeepers and venders under the very nose of authorities.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has alleged failed to control this menace. People alleged that the SMC way back in 2009 had launched a massive anti-polythene drive but that didn’t sustain for long. Adding that now with every other day the use of polythene is increasing.
According to the date available with Pollution Control Board around three to four polythene bags are used by each house hold in Srinagar daily. Environmental experts said that if the pace at which the polythene is consumed continues, it could be a serious threat to the environment and its water bodies.
Pertinently from last one year no checking squads of Srinagar District Administration (SDA) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation was seen on ground to have check on shopkeepers and roadside vendors.
Abdul Rasheed a local from Nowhatta said, “There was ban on polythene, but now it is being used open in market”.
Many believe that the government should take tough action against the shopkeepers and vendors who violate ban order.
“Why not to raid the godown where the polythene is dumped. Aren’t enforcement squads and Police aware of this, but due to some unknown reasons they don’t raid these big Godowns,” asks a local.
In between the big question is why polythene is being allowed to be imported into the state at the first place if the Government is serious on its ban.
Environmentalists believe that there is a dire need of proper planning to ensure an effective complete ban on polythene use. Adding that the ‘land of Kashmir’ is very sensitive and polythene will destroy its fertility. “It takes 1,000 years for polythene to get decomposed,” they said.
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