Experts push for ban on single-use plastic

Experts are calling on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to go beyond symbolic measures and take strong action against the continued use of single-use plastics in the city. With the BBMP’s 2016 ban proving ineffective, they now urge the civic body to collaborate with state and central authorities to shut down manufacturing units producing these plastics.

Solid Waste Management expert V Ramprasad criticised the BBMP’s weak enforcement, saying the city continues to use single-use plastics as if no ban exists. “A ban is effective only if implemented seriously. BBMP never pursued it beyond announcements,” he said.

NS Mukunda, founder member of Bengaluru Praja Vedike, echoed the sentiment, adding that enforcement was never a priority. Both Ramprasad and Mukunda believe targeting manufacturing units is the first crucial step, followed by cracking down on vendors who distribute the banned products.

They also pointed to public apathy, saying most people still demand plastic bags without considering the environmental impact.

Mukunda stressed that while BBMP alone may not have the authority to shut industries, it can coordinate with agencies like the Pollution Control Board and set a clear deadline for closure, allowing time for transition.

National solid waste expert and Swachh Bharat Mission advisor Almitra Patel said a ban won’t work unless viable, affordable alternatives are provided. Without them, the public will continue to rely on plastic out of necessity.

Responding to these concerns, BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao admitted that complaints about plastic use are common. “We are conducting raids and will focus on stopping the production itself,” he said. Rao added that BBMP plans to work closely with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to address the issue at its source.