Monday, 06 February 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The use of single-use plastic is banned in the State and the local authorities have also taken some actions to enforce the ban. However, many vendors state that due to factors ranging from customer demand and cost to practical aspects, it appears difficult to observe this ban effectively.
Grocery store owner Manu Arora said, “It is certainly difficult to completely end the use of single-use plastic because our routine items are also packed by such plastic.” Other vendors had similar views, stating that the vendors alone cannot be blamed for the situation as bigger enterprises are manufacturing plastic and using it for packaging.
Vegetable vendor Mukesh Rai said, “It is costlier to use the paper bags instead of plastic bags. It cost me Rs 50 to buy 250 grammes of plastic bags while the paper bag costs double this rate.” Some vendors also pointed out that paper bags are capable of bearing less weight compared to plastic bags which makes the plastic alternative popular. Coconut water seller Akash said, “I can’t use paper straws as it costs me five times more than plastic straws. I can’t afford the paper straws and also feed my family.”
At a time when Dehradun is generating about 400 metric tonnes of solid waste on a daily basis with a considerable part of it comprising plastics, experts point out that the protracted delay in enforcing the ban on single-use plastic is only worsening the situation. The authorities need to work effectively on the various aspects of the solution including the alternatives to make sure that the use of single-use plastic is discontinued.
