Srinagar, July 30: To reduce the use of polythene in Srinagar city, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday claimed to have seized 1.6 quintals of polythene from individuals and shopkeepers and more than two lac rupees have been realized from violators during the ongoing anti-polythene drive.
Apart from common drives, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) had formally flagged off an anti-polythene drive in thirty-five wards of the city in the last week of July this year.
“During the month of July 2021, the SMC carried out 25 anti-polythene drives in few wards and confiscated 160-kilograms of polythene from individuals and shopkeepers while a fine of 55,000 rupees were also recovered against the violations," an officer of the SMC wishing not to be named told Rising Kashmir.
He said since the anti-polythene drive was launched, SMC has geared up its men in all 35-wards of the city to keep vigil over the trade of polythene. “Almost 1.5 quintals of polythene were confiscated and more than two-lac rupees were realized from the violators since the anti-polythene drive was formally flagged-off by SMC”, the officer said.
To keep close vigil over the trade of polythene in the city, the SMC has established three anti-polythene checkpoints in Humhama, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) and Pratap Park. “The SMC has established three posts initially to keep vigil over the transportation of polythene in the city while 21 more posts to be established soon”, the officer added.
He said the aim of establishing checkpoints is to keep eye on the trade of polythene and report or confiscate the material on spot. The officer also said the squads formed in this regard are visiting city wards regularly to ensure complete eradication of the polythene material.
When asked why SMC does not confiscate the polythene before entering into Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, the officer said it is being transported in an organized way and tough to seize the material there.
“Hundreds and thousands of goods laden trucks are approaching the valley and it is not easy to seize polythene at entry points as it is being kept hidden in plastic tanks like objects which are difficult to check at entry points. However, once it gets unearthed, the concerned agencies are taking up the matter as per the law," he said.
The officer added that the SMC’s drive would be permanently there unless and until a single piece of polythene is eradicated.
“Regular anti-polythene raids would be conducted, polythene to be seized and fine on contraventions shall be imposed," the officer added.
Notably, under the 6R campaign which includes reduce, reuse, recycle, remove, refuse and report, the SMC avowed to fight against the use of polythene in Srinagar city.
The officer said that under the ‘Reduce’ component, the SMC will circulate public awareness messages through hoardings, radio, television, newspapers etc besides the general public will be informed about its harmful effects during Friday sermons.
Under the ‘Reuse’ component, the citizens would be encouraged to reuse products while discouraging citizens from the use of single-use bags, cups and other products, the officer said and added SMC has introduced cloth and paper bags as an alternative and urged people to share the photos, videos etc via social media platforms with hashtag #the6Rcampaign.
In this regard, the SMC has finalized a detailed action plan for the month of August 2021. “Besides anti-polythene drives to be carried out in the city, mass level awareness programs through print and electronic media to be spread and people will be informed about the impact of polythene on human life and environment in Friday sermons during the entire month," the officer said.
The SMC will erect hoardings on 21-entry and exit points of the city which include Airport gate, Panthachowk, Pandach, Narbal, Shalteng, Srinagar – Budgam road, Nowgam, Parimpora, Qamarwari, Bemina crossing, Hyderpora chowk, Nowgam crossing, Dalgate, Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Kashmir University, Sanat-Nagar, Soura, Gousia Hospital Khanyar, Batamaloo and Parimpora Bus Stand. These locations have been identified by SMC to spread the message to people to avoid the use of polythene for the larger interest of humanity and the environment.
In this regard, the SMC has also started an anti-polythene campaign on its official social media platforms.