Single-use plastic items banned on Karnal MC premises

Karnal Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma restricted single-use plastic, polythene, plastic bottles, cups and glasses within civic body office’s premises.

Dr Sharma reminded that the office had already been declared zero waste and plastic-free in December last year. However, under the Haryana Shehr Swachhta Abhiyan – 2025 and Swachh Survekshan 2025, further steps were being taken.

She said the office would be formally re-declared as zero waste and plastic-free on September 17.

To ensure proper waste segregation, the Commissioner instructed the sanitation team to place five types of dustbins in the premises – green and blue bins in each room for wet and dry waste, red and black bins at suitable points for hazardous waste and e-waste, a yellow bin specifically inside women’s restrooms for biomedical waste.

She emphasised that wet waste should be composted within the premises using pit/drum methods or the traditional earthen pot technique. Detailed records must be maintained for hazardous waste disposal.

Dr Sharma also directed that even in official vehicles, no plastic bottles, polythene or single-use plastic items should be found. A monitoring team has been constituted to conduct inspections from time to time. Home Guards have been tasked with ensuring that no visitor enters the premises carrying single-use plastic items.

“All officers and employees must ensure strict waste segregation at the source. Any negligence in compliance will invite disciplinary action,” she warned.

Appealing to citizens, Dr Sharma said, “When visiting the MC office, please do not bring single-use plastic items. Kindly use the dustbins placed in the premises. With the cooperation of both citizens and staff, this mission can be successful.”