Complete ban on plastic in DK can hurt plastic industry – KSIA

Complete ban on plastic in DK can hurt plastic industry – KSIA

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 13, 2012: The Kanara Small Industries Association (KSIA) has opposed the ban on plastic in DK with effect from Nov 15.

KSIA President B. A. Nazeer called it “shocking” and pointed out that DK has around 50 small scale plastic industries that have obtained loans from various banks and financial institutions to set up their business. Besides, these industries have employed a large number of workers and are giving them facilities such as provident funds and life insurance. Such a ban on plastic carry bags will not only affect the plastic industry, but also banks and financial institutions, he pointed out.

Further, he pointed out that the plastic industry in DK employs around 5000 people directly and 10,000 people indirectly. Imposing a complete ban on plastic in the district will make these people jobless.

He also said that the order of Plastic Waste Management Rules 2011 was submitted to the Supreme Court after long discussion on the issue and that the Supreme Court has accepted it. Besides, the central government issued an order on Feb 4, 2011, stating that carry bags with 40 microns thickness is permissible. The order also defines the roles of producers of plastic bags and municipalities. He said that environmental issues can definitely be addressed if these rules are strictly implemented, adding that the KSIA is willing to work in collaboration with the government to eradicate the plastic menace.

He urged the state government to create a state policy with regard to plastic use instead of leaving it to local and regional governments. The KSIA also opposes the MCC’s illegal and unjustified raids on traders and seizing of plastic bags without providing any acknowledgment, creating fear and insecurity among suppliers of plastic carry bags as well as traders.

Further elaborating on MCC raids, he said that the KSIA opposes these raids especially because the district administration has issued no order regarding plastic use.

He urged the CM to intervene in the matter and prevent the district administration from imposing ban on plastic bags above 40 microns. He also requested at least one year to study the consequences of such a ban and assured that plastic manufacturers will stick to only manufacturing plastic bags of 40 microns and above.