NGT Karnataka chief directs BBMP Mayor to implement plastic ban from September

NEW DELHI: Subhash B Adi, who heads the Karnataka division of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), directed Gangambike Mallikarjun, Mayor of Bengaluru, for 100 per cent implementation of the plastic ban from September 1.

Adi also advised amending the bylaws of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to accelerate the fine. This will discourage citizens and traders from using the banned plastic items. He also noted that though the segregation of waste at source was made mandatory three years ago, it is still not being executed properly.

Adi further said that it is sad that unsegregated waste was being dumped in pits and landfills. “Waste over 35 lakh tons lies in the Mandur landfill, which is affecting the local environment. To prevent this, it is imperative that all the citizens segregate waste at source,” said Adi.

The chief asked citizens to cooperate with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for the proper application of the plastic ban. She also said that from September 1, new garbage tenders would likely to be in place. As per the new tenders, segregated waste will be picked up separately; while contractors will pick up wet waste, the rag pickers will pick up dry waste.

Adi said that heavy penalties would be charged against those who do not segregate the waste and those found to be using banned plastic items.