Nashik plastic makers' body flays ban decision

The Nashik chapter of the Maharashtra Plastic Manufacturers' Association (MPMA) has strongly condemned the state government's decision to ban plastic bags totally. The association has also decided to stage demonstrations and move the court if state did not reconsider its decision.

Blaming plastic bags for choking drains and causing the calamitous flooding of Mumbai during the last month's downpour, the state government decided to impose a total ban on the use of all types of plastic bags. The government has invited suggestions from people within 30 days.

Stating that investment of plastic industries amounting to about Rs 1000 crore in the state will come at stake, MPMA, Nashik Chapter, has strongly opposed the state government's decision.

"The reason that plastic bags were responsible for Mumbai deluge is unacceptable and impractical. It is the motive of the government to make plastic bags a scapegoat for its failure to tackle the situation. In fact, heavy rainfall, faulty drainage and disposal system, encroachments, poor maintenance, indiscriminate reclamation of riverbanks etc were responsible for the deluge," said J B Karnavat, president, MPMA, Nashik Chapter.

"There are about 2,500 small and medium plastic makers in the state, which provide direct employment to 50,000 employees and indirect employment to about 5 lakh persons. The state government, too, earns substantial revenue amounting to Rs 200 crore in the form of taxes from plastic industries. About Rs 1,000 crore investment of the plastic industry is at stake if the state forces the ban. Related banks and other financial institutions will also be affected to some extent due to this decision," said Sanjay Bodke, vice-president, MPMA - Nashik chapter.

"As per a study conducted by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, plastic waste accounts for only 0.6 per cent of the total waste. Plastic bags are convenient for use in daily life. In fact, the proportion of usage of plastic bags throughout the country is minor compared with other developed countries. Nevertheless, ban is not imposed in those countries," Bodke said.