Implementation not possible sans strict laws

If we suddenly put a ban on plastic production, it will cause a lot of unemployment. Even the government has taken the decision by introducing a minimum thickness of 50 microns plastic bag law. Manufacturing of 50 microns plastic bags is costly. So, manufacturers are going for alternatives like biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic enables manufacturers to easily decrease the thickness up to 10-20 microns according to government norms. Biodegradable plastic bags cost cheaper, but manufacturing time of biodegradable is large, which means more power consumption. Instead of carry out raids to check the use of plastic bags, the government should stop its production. A deadline should be given to the manufactures. If after that, bags are available in the market, put the manufacturer in jail with a heavy fine.  

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Chestta Gumber

Cooperation of shopkeepers must

From July 1, the government declared a ban on the use of plastic bags because of the harmful effects they leave on the environment. It is mandatory to stop the use of plastic bags. It can be done only through cooperation. Different organisations should work together and connect with others for an effective implementation of the ban. Local movements should be started to dissuade people from using them. One more way to make the ban effective and successful is the cooperation of shopkeepers. The shopkeepers should co-operate with the government by selling goods in paper bags, not in plastic bags. Customers can contribute their mite by using their own reusable bags for shopping. It is high time each one of us understood the seriousness of the issue and stopped the use of plastic bags. Switch over to an eco-friendly lifestyle and keep plastic bags at bay.

KAMALDEEP KAUR

Implement a proper management plan

If we want to make the earth a fantastic place to live on, we must say no to plastic. Plastic bags are a ubiquitous consumer product. Since plastic bags and related items deteriorate the quality of the soil and lead to its pollution, these certainly need to be banned. The ban on plastic bags can be made effective by implementing a proper management plan. Also, adhering to the three R’s can prove to be a boon. The NGT has passed various orders affirming the ban. These orders are to be followed. Plastic manufacturers and bag users should comply with the laws. 

Ishita Katyal

Use jute, paper and cloth carry bags for packaging

First of all the industrial units involved in the manufacturing of plastic carry bags be raided so that their manufacturing can be stopped. Then, the government should carry out checking of traders involved in buying and selling of carry bags from other states. Retailers, wholesalers and factory owners must switch to use of jute, paper and cloth carry bags for supplying their material to their customers. The MC should issue a helpline through which it can be informed of those shopkeepers or traders who do not stop using plastic carry bags. Then, the MC should take action against them and book them as per the law.

Vikas Sharma

Manufacture only biodegradable bags

 The ban on plastic carry bags can be effectively implemented only if we people say no to use of them. For shopping, people must carry a cloth or jute bag, especially, while buying groceries and other food material. We must have a basket with us so that we can carry our purchased items in it, thus obliterating the need of plastic bags. The plastic bags manufacturers must be encouraged and incentivized to produce biodegradable bags. 

Manmohan Kaur

Onus on citizens, manufacturers & retailers

The success of the ban depends on behaviour change, adequate infrastructure, trained and adequate staff, awareness, etc. Frequent raids are necessary to keep a tab on the manufacture, transport, distribution (wholesale and retail sale), usage, storage and import of plastic carry bags into the state. The issue of banning plastic carry bags is largely associated with a strong industry lobby that often opposes the ban. Moreover, there is a need to encourage people towards using alternative bags made of cloth, paper and jute. Last but not least, the onus lies on citizens, manufacturers and retailers to not violate the ban on plastic carry bags.

RAVI CHANDER GARG

Help manufacturers produce paper bags

The government should make stringent laws for the manufacturers of plastic. Also, it should make available alternative things to carry goods home. The government should come forward and help the manufacturers by providing subsidized machinery and raw material so that they can produce paper bags. Moreover, there is a need to resort to a balanced approach by which we can save trees as well as minimize the use of plastic items because both things have a negative impact on the environment. 

Ritu Priya

Stop manufacturing of plastic bags

It is rightly said that where there is a will there is a way. Until we change our mindset accordingly, no one can implement the ban on plastic bags effectively. We need to understand the fact that these plastic bags are very harmful. Plastic bags are poisoning the environment though the pace is slow. First of all the factories making plastic bags should be banned. When these plastic bags will not be available, how people can use them. Also, we must carry a cloth or jute bag whenever we go shopping. In case we forget to take one, buy a paper bag instead of a plastic bag. Public awareness that why we should avoid the use of toxic bags is a must. School or college students should be sensitized to its ill-effects through seminars, speeches, etc. In addition, a hefty fine should be imposed on the defaulters so as to discourage them as well as others from making use of plastic bags.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi

NGOs must organise awareness drives

We all wish to live in a pollution-free, clean environment and have clean air and greenery near our surroundings. But are we contributing our mite towards we wish to achieve. Despite the fact that we are suffering from different types of serious diseases such as asthma, we are still creating an unhygienic environment for the coming generations. We are using plastic bags and other goods made of plastic very frequently, but do not exhort the recycling of plastics. We never hesitate over burning plastic goods though it will lead to air pollution. The polluted air, when inhaled by humans and animals, affects their health and cause respiratory problems. We must avoid using plastic bags and goods made of plastic if we want to live in a city free of toxic bags. One must use reusable bags whenever he goes shopping. One must identify products which contain plastic. One should use reusable coffee cups and avoid buying items packaged in plastic bags and should use cloth bags. We must ask our children and students not to make use of plastic bags. Special seminars should be organised and advertisements making an appeal to public to not use plastic material should be placed on electronic and print media. The government should put a complete ban on the sale and purchase of plastic bags. There must be drives by NGOs and the local government against use of plastic bags. 

FARZANA KHAN

Form committees to check use of plastic bags

Whenever we have to go shopping, we take out plastic bags ensconced in our houses. Being lightweight and easy to carry, plastic bags are always our first choice. Though we are well aware of the ill-effects they cause to the environment, we use them without demur. They damage the quality of air, land and water. These can be seen strewn about in our housing societies, colonies and surroundings. Even one can see them floating in the waters of nullahs, rivers and sea. A majority of plastic bags are made of polypropylene, a material that is made from petroleum and natural gas. Both of these materials are non-renewable fossil fuel-based resources and through their extraction and production, they create greenhouse gases, which may be responsible for global climate change. Plastic bags and their associated plastic pieces are often mistaken for food by animals, birds and marine life. When consumed, plastic material leads to congestion of the digestive tracts of animals. As a result, the animals suffer from infections and even lose their lives due to suffocation. Plastic bags must be replaced by some biodegradable compost-able and reusable shopping bags. There must be formed committees which may visit shopping complexes and other shops and check whether they are using plastic bags. If anyone is found using or manufacturing plastic bags, he must be punished.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Customers should carry their own jute bags  

 If customers are made aware of the ban and asked to carry their own cloth or jute bags while going shopping then shopkeepers will not have to keep plastic bags. Jute bags and other shopping bags can be used by customers. If customers ask for a bag to carry goods from shopkeepers, they should provide paper bags to customers. Customers will have to change their habit of not carrying and using jute/cloth bags. A small effort on the part of customers may go a long way in reducing the use of plastic bags. 

Ekroop Kaur