Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Jun 4: Everybody wanted to give up plastic and use environment friendly items. Many renowned personalities of Udupi such as math swamy and others campaigned about the plastic ban. The development in the year created hope that plastic will not be visible anywhere. However the picture of Udupi has not changed.
The stark reality about the ban of plastic is visible at the bus stands. It is not enough if one person has concern for environment. The concern should spread among all and items made of plastic should be banned not just by corporation but people too need to endorse the idea. DC Priyanka Mary Francis has ordered hotels, bar and restaurants, malls, provision stores and book centres not to give items in plastic bags.
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However, plastic is seen everywhere Udupi. There was noise in the CMC that flex should not be in plastic. The reality is that all the flex banners are made of plastic even today. Nobody bothers even when the flex boards continue to remain long after their deadlines. Some of the banners were finally removed a few days ago.
A flex measuring 10*10 is priced at Rs 3,000 and the corporation charges Rs 4,000 including charges for permission. Signatures are taken during requests for permission that only cloth will be used for flex. There are 15 flex manufacturing graphics shops that say that cloth cannot be used for banners.
All the customers are asked to use alternative items instead of plastic. The DC has strictly directed not to use plastic covers or bags. Some self-help groups are preparing bags made of paper or cloth and the DC has asked people to buy bags from them.
In a recent meeting with the DC, traders said that plastic bags are not being manufactured in the district and they are coming only from outside the district. The deputy commissioner has asked to prepare a check post at the railway station and the bus stand to seize plastic and take action.
Besides creating awareness against plastic, penalty and action against those who litter the environment needs to be imposed.