Drive against plastic bags, MCC Conducts raid operation

Drive against plastic bags, MCC Conducts raid operation

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, April 2: The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has once again warned citizens to avoid using plastic bags below 40 microns as the MCC officials raided a number of shops selling plastic bags in the Central Market and its surrounding areas on Saturday, April 2.

 

 

 

 

K N Vijaya Prakash, Commissioner of Mangalore city Corporation headed this team along with environment officer Manjunath, Assistant Health officer Krishnappa Gowda, Health Inspectors Basavaraj and Babu Mallan, Revenue officer Meghan to conduct a raid operation in the city to check out the use of plastic bags marked below 20 microns.

 

 

 

Speaking on the occasion, MCC Commissioner K. N. Vijayaprakash said  that using plastic bag below 40 microns is dangerous to the environment and results in the blockage of storm water drains. Besides, it reduces land fertility and poisons fruits, vegetables and other food items packed in it. People who consume such food will ultimately lose their good health. These plastic bags release harmful toxins into the environment when they are burned. The environment and forest ministry has already issued rules on the production and use of these bags.

According to the Environment Protection Act of 1989 and its amendments of 2011, all plastic bags below 40 microns are banned in India. Shops, hotels, fruit stalls, vegetable stalls, meat shops, and bakeries are prevented from using these bags. The Supreme Court has recently banned the sale of paan masala and tobacco in plastic sachets with effect from March 1.

According to Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999, by Ministry of Environment and Forests, the banned plastics should not be used in the city limits. No vendor shall use carry bags or containers made of recycled plastics for storing, carrying, dispensing, or packaging of foodstuffs. The thickness of plastics should not be less than 40 microns, he informed.

He also informed violators of the rules will face hefty penalty and other disciplinary actions.