Mangalore, Feb 2: Citizens would be penalized for using plastic carry bags which do not comply with the prescribed rules as Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has decided to strictly implement the Plastic Waste Management and Handling Rules 2011.
Addressing media persons on Saturday, Dr. Harish Kumar, Commissioner, MCC, said that in compliance of the rules of the Act, people who use coloured plastic carry bags and those without the details of the manufacturer printed on it, will be penalized.
“Plastic carry bags must not be below 40 microns. The manufacturer's name and license number must be printed on the bags. If people are found using bags without these specifications, they will be penalized. We will give people some time to get used to the rule. In view of creating awareness, we appeal to the people not to take plastics from shops without manufacturer's details and license numbers printed on it”, Mr. Kumar said.
The Commissioner maintained that coloured plastic bags cannot be used specially to carry food products. “There are still people using black plastic bags and bags below 40 microns of thickness to carry fish and other food products. This will not be permitted,” he said.
Recycled plastics are to possess the recycle mark and no advertisements are allowed on plastic bags of shops and malls, he added.
In case the plastic manufacturers violate these norms, action would be taken against them by the Pollution Control Board which includes a penalty of Rs. 1 lakh and cancellation of trade license.
Mr. Kumar said that the MCC will formulate a bylaw according to which plastics would be made chargeable at shops. “When plastics are given away free of cost at shops, people tend to throw them. Shopkeepers charging people for plastic bags will help in people using the same bags again”, he said.
On the issue of plastic banners and hoardings in the city, the Commissioner said that although an exception to the rule was made for religious programmes, people have been taking advantage of the leeway provided by the MCC. “From now on, no banners would be entertained. Political parties have also been informed about it since elections are approaching. An exclusive vehicle meant for pulling down plastic banners will be pressed into action”, Mr. Kumar said.
Laxman, Pollution Control Board officer and B A Nazir, President, Plastic Manufacturers' Association, were also present.
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