Ban on plastics timely: NGOs
Akila Dinkakar
Chennai, May 10.

Environmentalists and Non-Governmental organisations alike have welcomed the
Government initiative in introduction of the Tamilnadu Plastic Articles
(Prohibition) of sale, storage, transport and use Bill, which has since been
referred to a select committee following protests from the opposition and
industry associations.

Sultan Ahmed Ismail a specialist in garbage management and vermicomposting
said the introduction of the Bill is "a very good beginning". But select
committee shoud work out the modaliteis of implementing the idea by holding
consultations with persons involved with environmental conservation. As a
first step, he said, the government could voluntarily implement the use of
alternatives to disposable plastics in its departments, quasi-government and
autonomous bodies and corporate sectors which take up government contracts.
Alongside, source segregation of waste must be implemented throughout the
state on the war-footing to nip the problem of disposal in the bud.
Manny. C. Calonzo of the Global Alliance for Incinerator
Alternatives,Phillipines has commended the Bill as "timely measure" and has
expressed the hope that the authorities and citizens would work together to
create an awareness on the use of alternatives to plastics.
Ravi Chellam of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, says "it is
encouraging to see the state government taking a positive initiative in the
insterest of citizens and long-term environmental quality and ecological
security of our planet".

A development scientist focusing on waste management of plastics, Timothy
Krupnik of the Recycling Department, Berkeley Ecology Center, said across
the globe diposal plastics clogged waterways, harmed agricultural soil and
threatened marine life and fisherfolk, whose livelihood depended upon them.
Recycling plastics with variable resins and consistencies was difficult and
would create further problems, he said. Similar ban was being considered
throughout the globe.

Toxics Link Chennai, an NGO said the ban was long due. Plastics made from
downcycling and used chemicals were potentially damaging to human health
said Rajesh Rangarajan, Tamilnadu coordiantor, pointing out the regualtion
should be extended to PET bottles and packaging plastics.
No Plastics in the Environment, a nationwide coalition opposing plastics has
also expressed its support to the Bill.

The TamilNadu Plastic Manufacturers Association has appreciated the
"genuine" Government effort at referring the Bill to a Committee. "This will
give us an opportunity to put forth our point of view from the employment
perspective besides stressing the need for better solidwaste management.
Chemical Indsutries Association described the ban, as proposed, as
"self-defeating". It said the "the growing trend against plastics though
justifiableunder the present circumstances is bound to affect the plastics
industry in our country. Moreover plastics are vital in many applications.
The concept of making lumber for postconsumer waste plastics could be tried
in the country.

Meanwhile the Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has thanked the
Chief Minister for referring the Bill to a select Committee. In a statement
in Madurai, S. Rathinavelu, President, said if the Bill had been passed,
over 5500 small, medium, and large plastic industries, involving the
workforce of more than 5 lakhs, would have been closed. He pleaded for
representation to trade and industry in the Committee