The government is strictly implementing a decade old notice published in the gazette that bans
production of plastic goods with less than 20 micron to ensure effective recycling of used plastics – one of the major causes of environmental pollution in urban areas.
Plastic producers have also expressed commitment to comply with the government decision that is expected to reduce pollution in urban areas.
In an effort to contain increasing environmental pollution caused by wide used of thin plastic goods, the government had issued the notice in the gazette in 2001.
At a meeting called organized by the Department of Small and Cottage Industries, plastic producers expressed commitment to stop production of plastic products less than 20 microns.
“We are committed to stop production of plastic products less than 20 microns. But we will continue production of plastic goods with less than 20 microns for export purpose,” said Shailendra Lal Pradhan, president of Nepal Plastic Producers Association.
Though the Supreme Court in 2002 had directed the government to implement the decision by forming a taskforce within a year, the government had not responded to the directive.
“More than 34 plastic producers have agreed to implement the government´s decision. We will form a code of conduct for our members to make sure that the decision is implemented,” Pradhan said. He also demanded that the government properly monitor the imports of plastic goods less than 20 microns.
Begendra Raj Sharma Paudyal, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Industry (MoI), said consultations with plastic producers were underway for effective implementation on ban on production of plastic products less than 20 microns.
“Plastic producers are positive about implementing the decision,” Paudyal added.
Source : www.myrepublica.com
