Jamshedpur: The Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) has launched a search and seizure drive afresh to stop the use of single-use plastic in its command area. On the direction of the additional town commissioner (ATC), Ravi Prakash, the JNAC team conducted a random search at a vegetable shop in Sakchi market on Thursday and seized single-use plastic carry bags weighing 314 kgs.
The flying squad, which was jointly led by city managers, Ravi Bharati and Prakash Sahu, imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the stockist. Under the garb of selling vegetables, the accused stocked the banned plastic bags and sold them to veggie retailers and vendors. Prakash has said that action will be taken against anyone who violates the rules.
The JNAC officials have appealed to the denizens, not to stock, and, sell the banned plastic items, besides, urged the customers not to use them.
Notably, the central ministry of forest, environment and climate change imposed ban on the decorative thermocol cups, glasses, cutlery and wrapping films, since July 1, 2022.
“People insist to give vegetables in polythene bags. Some vendors keep the banned plastic bags in a clandestine manner as they have the fear of losing the customer drive,” said a 46-year-old, potato and onion retailer in Kadma market, requesting anonymity.
He urged the government to ensure plastic carry bags and other banned plastic items are confiscated at the border checkpoints when they are clandestinely imported into the state.
“The alternatives to banned plastic items are relatively costlier. In 2023, we requested the state government to lift the ban on some of the plastic items for a time being till cheap alternative products are available in the market,” said Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President, Vijay Anand Moonka.
Source: indiatimes.com
