Industry Leaders react to the ban on plastics bags in Maharashtra

25-Aug-05

The Maharashtra government's decision to ban sale of all plastic bags in the state has raised several issues. It seems that in the post flood build up of waste mismanagement and disposal issues, rotting animal bodies, epidemics, road and railway track damage and building collapses, the buck has been passed on to the plastics bags alone. It can be pointed out that there were various categories of plastics and consumer products like milk, food grains, medicines, and other essentials that are also packed in plastic bags. These products are packaged in plastics for the reasons of convenience, cost effectiveness, ease in transport, and in most cases, because there is no substitute. Will not this ban affect the commercial viability of these necessities? Several associations including Plastindia Foundation, Indian Centre for Plastics and Environment, The All- India Plastic Manufacturers Association (AIPMA) will meet today and decide on the future course of action. The plastics industry seems to have been left with no alternative, but to oppose this blanket ban. AIPMA president Mr Harpal Singh says, " This blanket ban is unwarranted. We will oppose this in the 30-day period that the state government has announced. We have time on our hand and there is no need to panic. But we will oppose this measure unless the government spells out clear specifications for the ban." Mr Arvind Mehta, Vice President, Plastindia Foundation is of the opinion that there is a greater need to educate the public in issues of waste and garbage disposal. The littering habit of the masses needs to be corrected. Mr Mahesh Shah, President, Plastindia Foundation is of the opinion that, a due course of action will be arrived at after today's meeting of various associations and industry leaders.