Despite warnings and seizure of numerous plastic national flags from manufacturers and vendors, over 50,000 flags as compared to 10,000, same time last year
Despite warnings and seizure of numerous plastic national flags from manufacturers and vendors, over 50,000 flags as compared to 10,000, same time last yearu00a0
The BBMP's announcement to ban plastic bags was lauded earlier, but despite cracking down on manufacturers of plastic national flags in the city, over 50,000 such flags were sold this I-Day. Despite Deputy Mayor, S Harish's claims of stringently driving the point home with manufacturers and distributors of plastic flags in the city, sales crossed the 10,000 mark, which was set last year.
Hazardous celebration: Environmentalists are fuming over the lack
of stringent measures taken by the palike in cracking down on
hawkers selling these flags. Representation PicEnvironmentalists are fuming over the lack of stringent measures taken by the palike in cracking down on hawkers selling these flags. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (PCB) had raised objection and insisted that the BBMP look into the matter, following which the palike claimed that the PCB is allegedly passing the buck.
Lashing out against the PCB, Harish said, "We have taken serious measures to curb the sale of plastic national flags this year and still the PCB is blaming us. Till date, we haven't seen them taking any action against pollution in the state."
Claiming to have done his part, Harish added, "We have warned all leading manufacturers of plastic flags to withdraw the same from the market. They claim that they are just clearing last year's stock. However, those not following instructions will be strictly punished and our officials have been advised to seize any such material being sold at traffic signals. I myself have seized over 500 such flags yesterday."
Despite the measures, there has been a 300 per cent increase in sale of plastic flags this year, which only proves that the BBMP has failed again. Shivakumar Hosmani, director of the Rashtra Dhwaja Samrakshana Sangha, which has been actively pursuing various eco-related issues said, "Their efforts are not good enough. We have collected large numbers of plastic flags this year around as well and are now planning to visit manufacturing units and more before they hit the markets."
Biggest offenderSeveral government offices are decorated with plastic national flags and buntings. The exterior of the BBMP office and the Vidhana Soudha proudly display these flags. "It is ironic to see plastic flags being given prominence right outside these government offices. They are the same people who approved the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2011, which further goes to prove BBMP's failure," claimed a retired government official. While the BBMP continues its efforts in this regard, they should probably look in their own backyard, before making tall claims.
