Program on polythene carry bags on National Pollution Prevention Day
Dec 2, 2010: A ReportThe National Pollution Prevention Day is observed as the anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1982 when Methyl Isocyanate leaked from Union Carbide factory killing hundreds of people and rendering thousands disabled.
Jammu and Kashmir State Pollution Control Board (J&K SPCB), Regional Directorate Kashmir, observed the day on 2nd December 2010 by organizing an awareness program on polythene carry bags, in association with Indian Youth Climate Network, involving the students of Eco-Clubs from different schools of Srinagar district.
At first the students were briefed about the program and the ban on the polythene carry bags. The students and their teacher Incharge were then distributed in four groups under various officials of the Board.
During the program organized simultaneously at Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Amira Kadal and Karan Nagar, the students took polythene carry bags from shoppers, vendors, shopkeepers, etc. and instead handed them eco-friendly paper carry bags got made specially for the occasion by J&K SPCB, Kashmir Division. The students also made the people aware about the hazards of polythene and the benefits of using eco-friendly alternatives.
“Besides being non-biodegradable and hence dangerous for the environment, carrying of foodstuff in polythene carry bags is also hazardous to health,” the students informed the people.
Polythene carry bags have been banned in Jammu & Kashmir vide SRO 182 in the light of Non-biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Rules, 2009.
The drive found a positive response from the general public and the media who appreciated the efforts of the Board.
Speaking on the occasion, Regional Director, J&K SPCB Kashmir, Mr. SFA Gillani said the Board wants to implement the ban on polythene carry bags with the cooperation of general public. “We have been taking up such campaigns in the past and such programs will be conducted on valley-vide scale in the future. We will also take legal action against the defaulters who still trade in the banned material,” the Regional Director said.
During the program organized simultaneously at Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Amira Kadal and Karan Nagar, the students took polythene carry bags from shoppers, vendors, shopkeepers, etc. and instead handed them eco-friendly paper carry bags got made specially for the occasion by J&K SPCB, Kashmir Division. The students also made the people aware about the hazards of polythene and the benefits of using eco-friendly alternatives.
“Besides being non-biodegradable and hence dangerous for the environment, carrying of foodstuff in polythene carry bags is also hazardous to health,” the students informed the people.
Polythene carry bags have been banned in Jammu & Kashmir vide SRO 182 in the light of Non-biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Rules, 2009.
The drive found a positive response from the general public and the media who appreciated the efforts of the Board.
Speaking on the occasion, Regional Director, J&K SPCB Kashmir, Mr. SFA Gillani said the Board wants to implement the ban on polythene carry bags with the cooperation of general public. “We have been taking up such campaigns in the past and such programs will be conducted on valley-vide scale in the future. We will also take legal action against the defaulters who still trade in the banned material,” the Regional Director said.
