ET quick fix: How to make plastic ban much more effective

Karnataka banned the use of a variety of plastics in March. Since then, the BBMP has conducted raids and seized banned items. This has not been effective as polypropylene bags and plastic cutlery are still in circulation. The reasons seem straightforward: plastic is still being manufactured and there is a lack of awareness.
'Empower Ward-level Employees'

STEPS:

BBMP officials at the ward level must be empowered to take action

Send out notices to all commercial establishments within the ward, clearly laying out what has been banned and what the penalty is

Provide a number to which citizens can send complaints. Use these leads to conduct immediate raids

RWAs and apartment associations should stock up reuseable tableware and cutlery to be used during events. This can be rented out to residents for their household events parties

Resident communities can help set up a local self-help group to make cloth and paper bags Restaurants must avoid providing disposable cutlery for takeaways

`Provide Alternatives to Banned Items'

STEPS:

The government must spend on continuous mes saging to the public. It must be done every day

Use cinema halls and local television channels to en sure the largest coverage.

Allot 30-seconds to one minute slots every day for this purpose

Schools must be specifi cally targeted for aware ness and compliance

In addition to what is banned, also provide alternatives

I believe that at least 80% of Bengalureans do not know that non-woven bags (polypropylene bags) are also plastic and are banned. This needs to be an important part of the messaging.

Shopkeepers must insist that customers bring their own containers and bags

OFFICIAL LINE “

BBMP Health Officer Dr MN Lokesh said enforcement drives were being conducted every day but citizens were not being cooperative.“Citizens must refuse to accept plastic from anyone,“ he said, adding that the department was working with RWAs to create awareness.