Plastic waste could well be passé in Karnataka if ecology and environment minister, Sogadu Shivanna, has his way.
“Over the next fortnight, the government will explore the possibilities of banning manufacture and use of plastics. However, we will take the urban local bodies and plastic manufacturers into confidence before taking a decision to impose the ban. Plastic waste is like the Parthenium menace. It has spread across the state and polluted our farmlands and water bodies,” he told media persons here on Monday.
Mr Shivanna expressed displeasure over the “inefficiency” of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in containing pollution caused by plastic. “While the existing law already bans manufacture of plastic bags which are less than 40 micron, KSPCB has failed to implement the law. We will bring in amendments if necessary to ban plastic totally. Once the law is in place, we will not hesitate to punish the violators, with punishment including imprisonment up to three years,” he added.
The minister mooted adoption of the Central law - Plastic Management and Handling Rules by all the 183 urban local bodies (ULBs) within the next 30 days. “As per the bylaw, the ULBs will have to not only implement the ban on manufacture of plastics in their limits, but also ensure that plastic wastes are scientifically segregated, collected and recycled or reused. The ULBs will be asked to dispatch segregated wastes to cement factories to be used as alternative fuel. KSPCB will monitor the development and file a report,” he added.
Mr Shivanna said he will order a comprehensive probe into alleged irregularities in Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). “I have come across critical observations made by the Accountant General on the activities of the Board. I will order a probe into misappropriation during A.S. Sadashivaiah’s tenure as the Chairman,” the minister told media persons, adding that investigation would be conducted by the Lok Ayukta or any other investigating agency.
He was unhappy with KSPCB for not implementing ‘Sakala’ scheme, and set a deadline of September 15 for its implementation.