In a major crackdown on environmental pollution, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has launched a decisive initiative to eradicate single-use plastic from Mysuru district. The move involves creating a dedicated district-level Special Task Force, empowered to halt the sale, storage, and movement of banned plastic items.
Massive Raids and Penalties Herald New Crackdown
The urgency of the action was underscored by a recent special drive where KSPCB officials, alongside Mysuru City Corporation personnel, conducted sweeping raids. They inspected 5,000 shops across the district, leading to the confiscation of a staggering 26,000 tons of illegal single-use plastic materials. The enforcement action also resulted in the collection of Rs 26 lakh in penalties from violators, signaling a strict no-tolerance policy.
Structure of the New Enforcement Machinery
The directive for this aggressive push comes from the highest levels of the state government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the district administration to cleanse his home district of the plastic menace. Following orders from Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre, the KSPCB is now mobilizing resources.
The minister has mandated all district administrations and KSPCB officials to draft a comprehensive action plan. This plan aims for the total elimination of single-use plastic and the effective enforcement of the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016.
The district-level task force will have a robust structure:
- Urban Areas: Headed by the Deputy Commissioner, the force will include KSPCB officials, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner, and chief officers of all urban local bodies.
- Rural Areas: The Zilla Panchayat will lead the charge in villages. A separate rural task force, headed by the ZP CEO, will operate under the monitoring of the rural drinking water and sanitation department.
These teams will not only conduct raids but also monitor manufacturing units, warehouses, and sales outlets to choke the supply chain at its source.
State-Wide Ban and Public Awareness Drive
The Department of Forest, Environment, and Ecology has already imposed a prohibition on specific items across Karnataka. The banned list includes:
- Plastic carry bags thinner than 50 microns.
- Plastic banners below 120 microns, along with bunting, flex, and plastic flags.
- Disposable plastic items like plates, cups, spoons, and table spreads.
- Thermocol products.
Speaking about the implementation, KSPCB District Officer Kumar confirmed that preparations for constituting the task force are complete. "The task force will work independently and will be formed within one month," he stated. He added that apart from enforcement, the force will have a crucial role in spreading awareness and sensitizing the public about the harms of single-use plastic. The board has formally written to its superiors regarding the constitution of this district-level body.
This coordinated effort marks a significant step in Karnataka's battle against plastic pollution, aiming to make Mysuru a model district free from the scourge of harmful single-use plastics.
