KSIA opposes administration's move to ban plastic

 Nov 12, 2012

Times of India

 

MANGALORE: The Kanara Small Industries Association (KSIA) has opposed imposition of ban on Plastic Carry bags and Plastic articles in Dakshina Kannada District from November 15. B A Nazeer, president, KSIA said this is a shocking news on the industry in the district where more than 50 small scale industries have made investments with financial assistance from various banks and financial institutions like Karnataka State Financial Corporation.

Besides this a large number of workers, most of whom are women have been employed in the industries with life time facilities like insurance and Provident Fund. Any blanket ban on use of plastic carry bags in the district will not only effects entrepreneurs financially but also financial institutions. A localized ban will not yield any results but will be an injustice the entrepreneurs of Dakshina Kannada district, Nazeer contended.

About more than 5000 people are employed directly and another 10,000 people indirectly in more than 50 units in the district. Total ban on plastic carry bags will affect the massive employment provided by the industry. In this connection it is to be noted that after long deliberations at the national level, the order of Plastic Waste Management Rules 2011 has been submitted to Supreme Court which has Apex Court has accepted.

The Central Government by its order dated February 4, 2011 has already stated that thickness of carry bags should be minimum of 40 microns and clearly defined the role of municipalities and producers of plastic carry bags. Stricter implementation of above rules will definitely address environmental concerns related to plastics. This association has already offered to join hands with the government and district administration to eradicate this menace

The state government must formulate a state policy in this regard instead of local and regional policies for stricter implementation of rules, Nazeer said adding KSIA opposed 'unjustified and illegal raids' by MCC officials on trade establishments and seizure of plastic carry bags and also other bags without giving acknowledgment for the seized goods, thereby creating fear among traders and users. This has ruined the Diwali business of the traders.

KSIA strongly opposes raids on trade establishments since no order has been issued by the district administration. KSIA urged the Chief Minister to intervene immediately and instruct the district administration not to impose ban on carry bags above 40 microns as prescribed in above mentioned rules. They must be given at least one year to study consequences in this regard and plastic manufacturers will adhere to ban on less than 40 microns carry bags.