Kerala High Court asks state to ban plastic bags

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday asked the state to take a positive decision on banning of all types of plastic carry bags. The court opined that a ban, irrespective of the size, is essential to free the state from the menace of plastic waste. The High Court, in an interim order on July 25, had raised concern on the manner in which the public at large abuse plastic covers for indiscriminate disposal of waste, including by packing the waste into the carry bags and tying them and throwing it wherever they want leading to health and environmental concerns.

The court observed that a time has come consider restricting the use of plastic carry bags and consequently the sale of free delivery of plastic carry bags that are primary sources of plastic bags for the people. The state submitted that the chief secretary has already convened two meetings subsequent to the order of the court. Suchitwa Mission will launch a detailed training programme for officials of Local Self Governments, elected representatives and general public so as to make them responsible for their role as per Waste Management Rules, 2016 by using their own fund.

The state submitted that it took earnest efforts for implementation of the order of the court. It submitted that the goal can be achieved by strictly following the rules and taking steps for successful implementation of the rules by all authorities as already directed and making awareness among the citizens of Kerala through media. According to the government the state is committed to pragmatic and scientific waste management including plastic waste management through enforcement of rules, ensuring the responsibilities of all the stake holders in the Plastic Waste management Rules 2016.