The Hindu Business Line : Plastics not a problem, waste disposal is

New Delhi, July 8 To ban or not to ban the plastic bag is going to be the centre of debate once again. Contrary to wide belief, the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Mr Jairam Ramesh, stated in Parliament on Wednesday that ban was no solution and paper bags as an alternative would lead to cutting of more trees.

Then, what’s the answer? According to committees that have been looking into the environmental hazards posed, bio-degradable plastic that is recyclable may be the best option. “Plastic itself is a chemically inert substance, used world-wide for packaging and is not per se hazardous to health and environment. Recycling of plastic, if carried out as per approved procedures and guidelines, may not be an environmental or health hazard,” said the Minister.

He put the blame for environmental excesses such as drains choking with plastic, ground water contamination and the indiscriminate littering of used plastic bags squarely on the shortcomings of the waste management system. It was the failure of civic bodies to collect waste and the solid waste management system that was forcing various States including Delhi to resort to banning the use of the plastic bag, he said.

Top priority

However, regulating the use and manufacture of plastic carry bags is top on his agenda. The Ministry has notified the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 (amended in 2003), which specify the environment-friendly ground rules.

Related Stories:
BPCL-KR solution to dispose of waste plastics
Bengal ban on plastic bags takes effect

More Stories on : Plastics | Environment

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