Abdul Khaliq Qureshi
Abbottabad
The Plastic-free campaign launched sometimes back in district Abbottabad after the ban on the use of polythene bags in the province seems to be not fully successful as no low cost replacement of these bags has so far been introduced and most of the daily used items have been packed in plastic material.
Plastic is non-bio-degradable and thus causes pollution; as it cannot be recycled and burning plastic diffuses harmful smoke. Plastic bags can prove to be a choke hazard for small animals and people. The mass use of plastic has steadily grown ever since. The popularity of plastic is not only due to its low production costs but also its numerous practical characteristics, including its low weight, acid resistance, flexibility beside low cost. In addition, plastic has been used in all kind of packing including edibles, stationary, sports goods and grocery items.
Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Mughees Sanaullah when contacted about the steps taken by the government told this correspondent that they have been trying hard to create eco-friendly environment in this tourist’s destination and replace plastic bags. He further told to achieve the goal they have developed phase wise planning and have taken massive campaign against the shopping bag dealers & manufacturers. Similarly, he told that cloth bags have been introduced and District Jail prisoners and social welfare department have been involved for its manufacturing on low cost basis. He assured provision of cloth bags on grocery stores on subsidized rates and told that cost of bag should not exceed Rs.30 /- to lessen the burden on consumers. Mughees Sanaullah told that option of Fibre bags & paper bags is also under consideration to get ultimate objective of environment friendly Tourists resort.
It may be pointed out that as consumption increases day by day with the increase in population, there is an urgent need of far-sighted and holistic solutions to this problem.
