KOCHI: In the wake of the Kerala High Court order on waste dumping, the Kochi Corporation is planning to put a blanket ban on plastic carry bags.While initiating steps to implement the directions as per the court order, the Kochi Corporation will also consider the viability of a total ban on plastic bags, said TK Ashraf, chairman, Health Standing Committee.“The council has already decided to ban plastic carry bags weighing below 60 microns,” Ashraf said. “Now, we are thinking of a total ban irrespective of the measurements.”On implementing the court order, Ashraf said the distribution of buckets would be made effective.“Buckets to collect segregated waste have already been distributed to all houses. If more buckets are to be distributed to new areas, the councillors will do it,” he said.The High Court had banned the dumping of solid waste in plastic carry bags or in non-biodegradable materials on road sides and public places, directing the police to take strict action.Meanwhile, Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) president P Rangadasaprabhu said their opinion was that the waste should be treated at the place where it is generated. He called upon the civic body to enforce the regulations strictly.“If the civic body is planning to ban plastic bags, the decision should be enforced strictly. Though a ban was introduced earlier, the corporation could not enforce it,” Prabhu said.“The authorities should come up with measures to bring down the use of plastic bags. The state government can initiate steps to limit the use of plastic at outlets operated by the Civil Supplies Corporation. The Kochi Corporation should promote bio-gas plants and provide assistance by way of subsidy. Though we had approached the corporation with the demand, there was only a cold response,” he said.PG Anil Kumar, secretary, TD West Citizen Forum, said: “The city lacks a proper solid waste management system. Ours is one of the residents associations which segregates 100 per cent of waste generated in our area. Though we do not know where the waste is dumped, we promise that garbage is taken away from the city."He pointed out that 65 per cent of waste generated in the city is segregated and removed.The High Court has further directed the police to investigate and prosecute the accused under Section 268 (public nuisance), read with Section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and Section 278 (making atmosphere noxious to health) of the IPC, along with various provisions of the municipal laws.Currently, a corporation delegation, including Mayor Tony Chammany, councillors and standing committee chairmen, is in New Delhi to discuss various developmental projects.
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