Polythene industry protests J&K ban

While civic authorities have imposed a 'blanket ban' on the use of these polythene bags, those associated with the trade have said the ban violates the Environment Protection Act and the rules framed by the Centre.

The J&K Polythene Manufacturers and Traders Association said the authorities could only ban the use of recycled bags for foodstuff. However, a blanket ban was against the provision of law.

According to the association president Rakesh Gupta, the J&K High Court had, on two occasions, directed the authorities concerned to regulate the use of polythene bags only under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, as applicable to J&K, Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999, and the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.

Gupta said under these rules, the government could prohibit the use of recycled polythene bags for storing, carrying, packaging and disposing foodstuff.

"Rule 4 of the said rules says no vendor shall use carrybags or containers made of recycled plastic for storing, carrying or packaging foodstuff, while Clause B of the rule defines foodstuff as ready-to-eat food and food products, fast food, processed and cooked food in liquid, solid, powder and semi-solid form," Gupta said.

In keeping with the Environment Protection Act there could be no blanket ban or prohibition on the manufacture and trade of recycled plastic/polythene bags, he added.

In J&K, about 100 units are engaged in the manufacture of polythene bags .

The manufacturers and traders of recycled plastic bags also alleged that the government's campaign was arbitrary in nature and aimed at harassing them.

In J&K, about 100 units are engaged in the manufacture of polythene bags and almost half their business is dependent on recycled grains. The industry provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 5,000 people.

Gupta suggested that instead of imposing a blanket ban on the use of polythene, the authorities should check its use in packaging food.