Single-use plastics ban in force from today

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has imposed a blanket ban on all kinds of single-use plastic products in the city from Friday. This is in line with a notification issued by the Union Environment Ministry in February that all states and Union territories should phase out single-use plastic items in a planned manner by July 1.

The KSPCB held a press conference on Thursday to announce the list of prohibited items and their plan of action in the future for proper implementation.

While the Karnataka government has banned the use of plastic in 2016, the new order issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) this time is expected to step up drive against plastics. KSPCB Chairman Shanth Thimmaiah said the ban order had given them more powers to ensure stricter implementation of the law.

“We want to ensure proper implementation this time, and for that, we held a meeting with the marshals. The marshals were taught how to take the right action. And they were made aware about the penalty and under which Act should the manufacturing, and retail units be closed, if they are using illegal plastic,” Thimmaiah said.

The Chairman also claimed that the pollution control board tried their best to enforce the 2016 act of plastic ban, and many manufacturing units were raided and shut down. But plastic was still being used. “People continue to use it at vegetable and grocery stores. We will do things in a planned manner this time. For the first offence, we will impose a fine of Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 for a second violation and Rs 10,000 for a third-time violation,” said Thimmaiah.

The identified items include earbuds, plastic sticks for balloons, flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweets boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, and stirrers.

KSPCB has banned all those items that cause the most litter. In addition, PVC banners less than 100 microns, polystyrene for decorations, carry bags, and thermocol for decorations are also banned. The KSPCB is planning on providing alternatives to plastic. The board has approved the supply of compostable bags and cloth bags in the city