NGT Has Just Banned Sale Of Plastic Items In Haridwar, Rishikesh, And Other Cities Along Ganga
The National Green Tribunal NGT has ordered a blanket ban on plastic items including carry bags plates and cutlery in towns located on the banks of the River Ganga. The bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also banned the sale manufacture and storage of such items till Uttarkashi. The environment watchdog while hearing a plea of environmentalist MC Mehta also imposed Rs 5000 fine on those violating the order.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a blanket ban on plastic items including carry bags, plates and cutlery in towns located on the banks of the River Ganga like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
The bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also banned the sale, manufacture and storage of such items till Uttarkashi.
BCCL/ Representational Image
The environment watchdog, while hearing a plea of environmentalist M.C. Mehta, also imposed Rs 5,000 fine on those violating the order and said action will be taken against erring officials too.
The order was passed after the Green Panel taking note that despite its earlier order, plastic was being used in these areas causing pollution to the river.
BCCL
Many, including traders and locals have however expressed apprehension over the practical implementation of the ban.
They also argue that plastic waste only makes a small portion of the garbage that is dumped into the river considered sacred by Hindus.
BCCL
They say that more than the plastic, some 30 drainages which pump 701 million litres/day (MLD) of wastewater into Ganga between Haridwar and Kanpur and some 400 tanneries in Kanpur are to be blamed for polluting the river.
Earlier this week, the NGT had also passed orders banning the chants of Bam Bhole in Amarnath citing deterioration of sensitive ecology in surrounding areas.
