The Hindu Business Line : West Bengal may make jute bags use mandatory

THE West Bengal Government, which has decided to ban plastic bags in Kolkata and other prominent towns and cities in the State, intends to make use of jute bags mandatory through suitable legislation. The State government has identified the construction sector as a major pollutant in the city and is considering stringent measures to prevent the same.

Speaking on the occasion of presentation of Environmental Excellence Awards, 2005, organised jointly by Indian Chamber of Commerce and West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, said, "We are seriously considering a ban on plastic bags and making use of jute bags mandatory in the State, preferably in Kolkata and other major cities."

The State environment ministry will form a committee to suggest ways to replace use of plastic bags with jute. "This requires an escalation in jute bags production in the country. We are looking forward to the large players entering this sector," the Chief Minister said.

Talking on rapid urbanisation in the State leading to a manifold increase in construction activities, he said that pollution from this has crossed the threshold limit and has even surpassed the vehicular pollution in the city. While development and urbanisation must continue, the State Government is giving serious thought to disciplining the builders, he pointed out.

Amendment to the building regulations is on the cards "to make rainwater harvesting mandatory" for any housing complex.

Efforts are underway to formalise an alternative development plan to bring discipline to the urbanisation activities in Kolkata and its adjoining municipal areas.

On vehicular pollution, the Chief Minister said that the old commercial vehicles, both under private and public sector, need to be scrapped following the nationwide trends.

To introduce sensory technology

WEST Bengal plans to introduce sensory technology to force the highly polluting sponge iron units to take adequate emission control measures. The 30 odd sponge iron units, which have come up in the State in the last few years were often found guilty of switching off their emission control equipment, especially at night, to save on energy costs.

The State Government will soon be making it mandatory for sponge iron plants to install a sensor developed by the Pollution Control Board. The sensor would alert the regulatory authority, if the emission control equipment is left idle.

"We have already carried out a pilot project in this regard and will soon make its use mandatory for the sponge iron units," the State Environment Minister, Mr Manab Mukherjee said on Wednesday.

More Stories on : Policy | Pollution | Jute

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Karnataka plans export surge in five years

West Bengal may make jute bags use mandatory

No clear picture on oil subsidy, pricing