Bengaluru: The department of technical education (DTE) has banned use of plastic in all institutes that provide technical courses in the state.
According to a circular sent to all government, aided, and private engineering and polytechnic institutions in the state, the DTE called for strict enforcement of No Plastic Policy.
Interestingly, the decision which also falls in line United Nations' (UN) theme for the year 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' was fuelled by after top officials from the DTE recently took note of truck loads of plastic being dumped after a recent graduation ceremony.
“The incident which took place in a government engineering college contributed to serious discussions to initiate the move to ban complete use of plastic in our campuses starting this academic year itself. This is expected to send out a message to students and faculty as well as a small but effective step towards conserving nature,” a official revealed.
Reacting to the development, Mahesh Kashyap, a consultant with the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) welcomed it and remarked that it should be effectively enforced.
“Banning something is easy, but planning out an alternate to ensure the ban is taken seriously is essential. Using steel cups and plates would be a way out while recycling waste can be a long term plan at locations surrounding the institute as well,” he said.
Creating awareness among students at campuses through signboards and developing a habit to avoid any usage of plastic would create a strong impact and it should be expanded to schools as well, he added.
DTE officials also added that spot inspections at campuses will be conducted and stringent measures been taken against violators. Colleges have also been asked to frame rules on the ban of plastic at campus and ensure it is strictly enforced.
