GHMC Seizes 200 Tons Of Plastic Bags

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on Saturday seized 200 tons of plastic carry bags of a 20-micron thickness, worth about Rs. 80 lakh to Rs. 90 lakh, from manufacturing units at the Katedan Industrial Area.

This was revealed by GHMC Commissioner M T Krishna Babu at the GHMC head office after the Corporation's Face-to-Face program.

The GHMC has banned plastic bags measuring below 40 microns in thickness, in Hyderabad.

Krishna Babu said that the seized bags have been shifted to a godown and have been locked away.

"A decision on what to do with the seized bags would be taken after considering all aspects, including holding consultations with the AP Pollution Control Board," the GHMC Commissioner said.

The seized material had been produced before the ban on the sale and manufacture of plastic bags within GHMC limits came into effect on July 1.

Krishna Babu said that most manufacturing units' owners are unaware of the permitted material, colours and thickness.

The GHMC would bring out a pamphlet to educate manufacturers, with the help of the Pollution Control Board soon, he said.

Krishna Babu said that the Central Pollution Control Board is mulling over a proposal to make it mandatory for manufacturing units to obtain a certificate that their units produce only bio-degradable plastics.

He also appealed to the traders to charge their customers Re 1, Rs. 2 or Rs. 5 for each plastic bag, depending on the size of the bag, so that they are discouraged to ask for bags.

"The traders can also encourage the public to use jute bags by giving concessions ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 25," Krishna Babu said.

"It has come to my notice that some malls are collecting Rs. 25 on jute bags, which is refunded if the bags are returned. This is a good example of encouraging the usage of jute bags," the GHMC Commissioner said.

He also added that the GHMC will set up a Help Centre that citizens can call to file complaints about civic problems. This call centre may be functional within the next 2 to 3 months, Krishna Babu said.

"Very soon, the Mayor and the GHMC Commissioner will be available on one day of the week for citizens, to help solve their problems," Krishna Babu said, adding that this would be implemented 'very soon.'
(INN)