IS BAN ON PRECARIOUS PLASTIC EFFECTIVE?
Enthusiastic environmentalists, caring citizens have been concerned by the chocking effect of plastic. They welcomed the ban on plastic by Maharashtra government on March 23, Gudi Padva (beginning of New Year as per Marathi calender), and enforced from June 23. The biggest concern lies in its enforcement. Forceful implementation of the ban is the biggest question mark facing the Devendra Fadnavis government.
Various lacunae in the text itself lays it bare and open to ambiguity. Naturally, unhappy and hampered businesses, big or small, are finding loopholes in it in order to circumvent the ban and get it scrapped. This led dilution of ban by the government for three months.
The serious lack of political will to implement the novel idea of plastic ban possesses a real challenge to effectively enforce it across the entire spectrum of society. Opposition by industrial lobby is a major hindrance. The common man is ignorant on the harmful uses of plastic in his daily life. Small-time shop keepers, transporters using plastic in moving goods, et al are unhappy because their businesses entail use of cheaply available plastic. The opposition to the ban will result in implementation failure as has already been observed in Delhi and Sikkim.
India is already reeling under pollution in varying degrees. It is also a major issue globally. It, therefore becomes, very important to enforce such laws strictly and effectively. Diligent actions by government such as launching detailed programmes to replace plastic by eco friendly substitutes, proper guidance to reuse and recycle existing plastics, creating job opportunities for people who are unemployed due to shutting of plastic manufacturing industries and bringing awareness amongst masses will achieve the desired result.
Enforcement of the ban should be strict and defaulters should be punished heavily. There should be proper arrangements made by the local civil authorities to provide bio friendly packing materials for disposal of wet and dry waste.
Mass media programmes such as street plays, skits, pamphlets, information through newspapers and social media should be encouraged by the government on the harmful effects of use of plastic to convince and enlighten the masses.
A combined effort by all stakeholders will ensure positive results. The Devendra Fadnavis led government of Maharashtra is capable of becoming an example in this regard for emulating by other States. This implementation across the entire geographical landmass has a tremendous potential to showcase India towards her efforts in attaining the targeted Sustainable Development Goals.
