NMMC vs. Plastic bagsNMMC has been doing a great job in the matter of curbing production and sale of plastic bags. But NMMC has been finding it difficult or rather impossible to control the inflow from neighbouring areas. In a bid to curb the usage of plastic bags less than 50-microns thick, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) authorities have raided many factories and shops in the city. Despite the crackdown, it cannot control the inflow of banned plastic bags into the market, as the stock is being imported from neighbouring areas. The thing is major chunk of these plastic bags are not manufactured in Navi Mumbai. During investigations, it was discovered that thin plastic bags are being sourced from small factories located in Bhiwandi, Govandi, Mulund and Mumbra. By paying regular visits to the factories in the city, NMMC has ensured that no plastic bag below 50 micron is manufactured in Navi Mumbai. But NMMC cannot do much about those bags that are produced outside.
NMMC did the right thing by holding discussions with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for curbing the production of bags less than 50 microns in their respective jurisdictions. It is high time for BMC and TMC to initiate strict action against offenders, so that the distribution of banned plastic bags is controlled.
In Navi Mumbai there was a time when we would witness these plastic bags hanging from the branches, flying in the air, stuck in corners racing along with the vehicles on the road and so on. This wonder material of the 20th century had invaded every aspect of our lives; it used to be all over the place messing up the streets and parks, clogging up the drains and gutters. These plastic bags or shoppers as they are commonly called were available in all sizes, shapes and colours, and because of their lightweight, flexibility and low cost they were used and cast off freely. People from all walks of life would use plastic bags mainly because of their easy availability and convenience.
These plastic bags have harmful effects on the soil, water and air. The accumulation of plastic prevents the sunlight from entering the soil thus destroying the beneficial bacteria, so necessary for soil fertility. These bags disturb the chemical formula of the soil, again causing loss of fertility. Plastic wastes when dumped in or thrown into rivers, ponds or sea have disastrous effects on the species living underwater, and a lot of marine life is lost due to this. Domestic animals like cows and goats are often found dead after swallowing bits of plastic that gets mingled with the grass they eat. Workers and people living near a plastic or resin factory are prone to certain kinds of cancer and birth defects.
NMMC has succeeded in bringing under control the menace caused by plastic bags but it has yet to do a lot to totally eliminate the use of plastic bags. NMMC makes the offenders pay heavy fines for producing or possessing banned plastic items. This method has indeed reduced considerably the use of plastic bags in Navi Mumbai at least. That's a good sign!
NMMC did the right thing by holding discussions with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for curbing the production of bags less than 50 microns in their respective jurisdictions. It is high time for BMC and TMC to initiate strict action against offenders, so that the distribution of banned plastic bags is controlled.
In Navi Mumbai there was a time when we would witness these plastic bags hanging from the branches, flying in the air, stuck in corners racing along with the vehicles on the road and so on. This wonder material of the 20th century had invaded every aspect of our lives; it used to be all over the place messing up the streets and parks, clogging up the drains and gutters. These plastic bags or shoppers as they are commonly called were available in all sizes, shapes and colours, and because of their lightweight, flexibility and low cost they were used and cast off freely. People from all walks of life would use plastic bags mainly because of their easy availability and convenience.
These plastic bags have harmful effects on the soil, water and air. The accumulation of plastic prevents the sunlight from entering the soil thus destroying the beneficial bacteria, so necessary for soil fertility. These bags disturb the chemical formula of the soil, again causing loss of fertility. Plastic wastes when dumped in or thrown into rivers, ponds or sea have disastrous effects on the species living underwater, and a lot of marine life is lost due to this. Domestic animals like cows and goats are often found dead after swallowing bits of plastic that gets mingled with the grass they eat. Workers and people living near a plastic or resin factory are prone to certain kinds of cancer and birth defects.
NMMC has succeeded in bringing under control the menace caused by plastic bags but it has yet to do a lot to totally eliminate the use of plastic bags. NMMC makes the offenders pay heavy fines for producing or possessing banned plastic items. This method has indeed reduced considerably the use of plastic bags in Navi Mumbai at least. That's a good sign!
No comments:
Post a Comment