Bengaluru grapples with rampant illegal plastic use despite ban
Bengaluru: This year's Environment Day theme, "Ending Plastic Pollution," seems like a mere slogan as the use and sale of banned plastic continue unchecked in both urban and rural parts of the city. Hazardous plastic waste is engulfing every corner of Bengaluru.
The Central Environment Department has banned the production and sale of plastics smaller than 40 microns, which are harmful to humans, livestock, and nature. Provisions also exist for filing criminal cases against non-compliant sellers and manufacturers. However, plastic sales are rampant in small shops and hotels across every neighborhood, and plastic pollution has reached alarming levels everywhere.
In both urban and rural areas, including main city roads, around bus stands, and at roadside eateries and restaurants, plastic use is rampant. Initially, the State Pollution Control Board and the City Corporation launched public awareness campaigns against plastic use, which had a minor impact in curbing its usage. However, plastic pollution has now intensified again. Even though the City Corporation continues to raise awareness among the public about the ill effects of plastic use and the importance of city cleanliness, plastic consumption has not decreased. Officials state that despite the law being in force for many years, extremely low-quality plastics (less than 40 microns) are being sold in markets, retail shops, and by street vendors. The public's continued acceptance of plastic covers also makes it difficult to control plastic.
Plastic littered everywhere in the city poses a serious threat to animal life. When livestock consume leftover food discarded in plastic covers, the plastic enters their stomachs, becoming a fatal danger. Locals are demanding serious action for plastic elimination.
