Biodegradable bags to be launched in state

Biodegradable bags to be launched in state
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 26
After its failure to keep a check on the sale of non-biodegradable polythene bags, the state government has decided to introduce ISO-certified biodegradable bags across the state.

“After the municipal corporation officials failed to enforce the ban on the sale and use of polythene bags, we have decided to introduce biodegradable bags across the state. These bags will be used as an alternative to the banned polythene bags,” said Lal Chand, chairman, J&K State Pollution Control Board, while talking to The Tribune over the phone from Srinagar.

He added that, “A few private bag manufacturers have approached us for approval to sell biodegradable bags in the market. We have sent these bags to the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology for checking their quality before granting approval”.

Terming polythene as the biggest environment hazard, Lal Chand said, “We are committed to providing a clean and green environment, but the pollution due to polythene bags has drastically increased in the twin capital cities of the state. This is proving to be a tough task. We are hopeful that with the introduction of environment-friendly bags, the board will be able to control the rising pollution level”.

He blamed the public for the increase in the pollution level. “We have launched a number of awareness campaigns for the people to dissuade them from using polythene bags, but to no avail. Now, we will have biodegradable bags with a message, “Say no to plastic bags and adopt biodegradable bags”.

Asked if any private firm was supplying biodegradable bags in the state, he said there might be a few companies selling biodegradable bags in the market, but none had the permission from the board. Earlier, the standards were not laid for the sale of the biodegradable bags, but now the ISO certification had been made mandatory and the board had also framed the rules.

Lal Chand added that the biodegradable bags would be costlier than polythene bags.

Courtesy: The Tribune