Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (PH)

Udupi, Oct 10: Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Udupi G Jagadeesha is repeatedly stating that plastic carry bags, banners and flex are completely banned in the district. He has also stated that initially a fine of Rs 1,000, then a fine of Rs 2,000 and for the third time severe punishment will be imposed on the people, who are found manufacturing, using and distributing the plastics. He has also sent a notice to every panchayat to strictly follow the rules and eliminate plastic in Udupi district. But it seems that the statement of the DC is not taken seriously by the public.

Plastics are being eliminated in the shops and stores to a major extent but the number of flex, banners and hoardings are repeatedly increasing day by day. Advertisers are making use of banners and flex in the main parts of Udupi city itself. As the festive season of Deepavali is approaching, we can witness more and more banners almost everywhere in the city. Eye-catching captions like get 50% off, buy 1 get 1 free and many more creative offers and taglines are put out in the form of banners and hoardings.

Though the DC has repeatedly mentioned about the ban on plastic items, it looks like the flex and banner manufacturers, the brands and the companies have not taken his orders seriously. Some new start-ups and brands have opted for online advertisements and also web and newspaper advertisements and are in favour of the ban on plastics. It would be unfair on these people if the banners and hoardings of other companies and brands are not removed soon. People can also see the hoarding of central government regarding the gas facility which is being displayed at a greater height and in various places in Udupi. The DC must look that strict action is taken against this. Only then people will deter from doing such kind of activities.

Helmet was made compulsory by the government. People hardly followed the rule. But today a huge amount of fine is being imposed on the people who are not wearing helmet. Now it can be noticed that almost everyone is following the rule of the government. Similarly a strict action needs to be taken against the flex manufacturers as well as the brands which are opting for outdoor advertisements in the form of banned flex and banners.

Subashree, a young girl of 23, from Chennai had lost her life due to an accident, which was caused due to an illegal banner. The video of her tragic death had gone viral on the social media. Many such illegal banners are seen in Udupi city. District administration must see that the banners and hoardings are removed immediately and strict action is taken against the manufacturers as well as the brands and company opting for banner and hoarding advertisements so that no girl like Subashree or anyone for that matter lose their life.