'Follow the ban on plastics strictly' Bhatkal Tahsildar instructs Merchant association officials

Bhatkal 02 August 2018: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Bhatkal Tahsildar VN Bhadkar on Wednesday called a meeting at his office with the officials of various associations including the merchant association of Taluka, Department of Police and also the makers of Ganapati statues and instructed them to consider the ban on usage of plastic and also prohibition on the usage of ‘Plaster of Paris’ for making colorful Ganapati statue in the Taluk from 14th of August. Speaking in the meeting Tahsildar VN Bhadkar said “As the usage of plastics has been banned by the government, the TMC has already initiated effective measures to make sure the usage of plastic is completely avoided in daily life and has ordered against selling of plastics or usage by any consumer with heavy penalties if found violating the order .” he said. He further added “The traders/shop owners have to co-operate with us, instead of finding loopholes in the regulations of the Government. However, the usage of plastic will be banned from 14 August, starting with the polythene bags that will be completely banned in the Taluka. The authorities will also organize awareness programs about the regulation soon and I will personally monitor the whole development of the issue, we will raid and seize shops which are violating the orders.” -he added. The usage of ‘Plaster of Paris’ for preparing the colorful Ganapati idol has already been banned and this has to be brought into the notice of idol makers said the Tashildar. Sab Mohtisham, a trader present in the meeting expressed his opinion saying “the customers will bring the plastic bags from other shops though we ban them. It’s better to ban the plastic manufacturing companies so that plastics will not reach both customer and the Shopkeeper.” Responding to his opinion one of the official of Jail Panchayat Prabhakar said “We have already raided the shops selling plastics across the Taluka. But, it hasn't been very effective and hasn't had any impact on the general pubic. However, as we have received the circular from the Government, we will be organizing awareness programs for the public and we expect co-operation from the traders and heads of different associations.” -he added. TMC President Sadiq Matta, Jali Patan Panchayat President Syed Adam Panambur, TMC Health officer Soojiya Soman, heads of various associations, members of trader unions and others were present during the meeting. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Fristen Dias)