Distribution and sale of single-use plastic continue despite ban by Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC)

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The usage of single-use plastics was banned by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Pollution Control Board of Assam in June 2022. Almost a year has passed, but the menace of these materials has not been stopped yet. Carry bags made of single-use plastics are still being sold and used openly. Because of their harmful nature plastics below the thickness of 50 microns were banned from sale and usage.

But almost one year down, there has not been any definitive change in the scenario. Over the year, several steps were taken and operations were conducted to prevent its sale. In the month of April itself, these operations led to the capture of over 1000 kilos of such plastic materials but more and more plastics are becoming available in the market.

There were 6 units manufacturing products of single-use plastics in the region. Soon after the ban went through, the trade licenses of these units were revoked. But even then, people found a way to bring in plastic carry bags from other locations making them openly available in the markets.

Officials with the Pollution Control Board of Assam said, “We have tried along with the Guwahati Municipal Board to completely remove single-use plastics from the markets of Guwahati. Sometimes our teams, sometimes teams from GMC and at other times, our combined teams carry out operations in the markets of the city. We confiscate the materials from time to time, but these materials keep on coming.”

Meanwhile, a representative from among the public said, “They talk about banning it, but every vendor seems to have an ample lot of single-use plastic bags. Only a few major stores of the city have stopped using such bags, but they charge the customers heavily for the replacements.”

Also, a regular shopkeeper at the Ganeshguri market of Guwahati said, “We know the side-effects of such materials, but what are we supposed to do when the customers demand the same? More than talking to us regarding the ban, it is important to explain to the customers to bring bags from home, so that these carry bags are not necessary. We can provide good quality bags, but those are costlier and the public does not want to pay extra for a carry bag.”

Also Read: No tangible measure yet to rid urban areas of plastic garbage

Also Watch: