The Hindu Business Line : Plastics federation seeks review of ban

Indian Plastics Federation (IPF), fearing impending closure of as many as 400 small plastic carry bag manufacturing units (total turnover of nearly Rs 160 crore) in the State following the ban imposed by WBPCB on sale and manufacture of the bags below 40 microns from June 5, has sought a review of the administrative order.

According to the Federation, plastic carry bags of lower microns alone were not responsible for choking of gutters and sewers leading to heavy flooding of streets.

Apart from plastic carry bags, littering of bio-degradable and other solid substances too, play a major role in choking city sewers.

Addressing a news conference here on Friday on the issue, which has threatened loss of as many as 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly, the Federation members stated that various municipalities in the State were circulating “misleading” handbills claiming that the Supreme Court and the Government of West Bengal has issued directives and laws banning all plastic bags.

Mr R.A. Lohia, Chairman – Plastics in Environment Sub-committee of IPF, said many plastic carry bag units which have come up in the State after commissioning of Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (supplier of raw materials through downstream units) were now on the verge of closure because of the “unreasonable ban” on manufacture of plastic bags of below 40 microns and specified size in the State.

He said consequent upon the administrative order, no plastic bags unit can now make goods as per the Central Government Rules of 20 micron thickness for supplying to other States nor can they manufacture the same for export purposes. According to Mr Lohia, if the Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 2000 of the Government of India are implemented properly in the State, it may not only reduce environmental pollution but also create employment for those who can collect the waste and dump these in the appropriate areas for recycling and production of compost fertilisers.

Mr K.M. Tibrewala, President, IPF, pointed out that some municipalities in the State, like Cooch Behar, Siliguri, have taken positive steps in a number of wards under its jurisdiction towards implementation of the Central Rule.

More Stories on : Plastics | Environment | West Bengal

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