Karnataka - Mangalore   

Plastic menace haunts port city again

Special Correspondent

Nearly two tonnes of plastic carry bags are being used daily in Mangalore

MANGALORE: It appears that the people of Mangalore have given up their fight against the plastic menace. Discarded plastic carry bags could be seen in city's open spaces and many storm water drains have been blocked by plastic waste.

People of Mangalore have stopped taking bags for shopping though many establishments have put up signboards, "Bring your own bag".

According to the Central Market Merchants' Association, the market itself uses half a tonne of polythene bags a day.

One of the suppliers of these bags said that he procured them from Dadra and Nagar Haveli-based producer.

Demand

He said nearly two tonnes of plastic bags were being used in the city daily. During festivals and shopping seasons, the demand would increase by 50 per cent, he added.

People of Mangalore launched a successful struggle against the plastic menace in the past. Many social workers, environmentalists and citizens had formed a group to spread awareness about the harmful effects of plastic.

The group had also promoted the concept of inexpensive, long lasting and elegant looking bags that were patronised by the people initially.

With the introduction of mall culture in Mangalore, the plastic menace appears to be going out of control. The number of people visiting the malls is on the rise and the use of polythene bags is assuming dangerous proportions.

The district administration has sounded an alarm about the use of plastic bags, and instructed business establishments to use bags that could be recycled (20 microns).

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