Page 35 - Plastics News May 2020

Trichy Corporation continues to seize plastic bags CPCB bans PoP, SuP for idols, artisans say not
amidst lockdown viable

n new guidelines released this month, the Central
IPollution Control Board (CPCB) has banned the use of
plaster of paris (PoP), thermocol and single-use plastic
to make or decorate idols, while promoting the use of
eco-friendly materials for the same. With Ganesh
festival only a few months away, for idol-makers, the
latest CPCB guidelines are a death knell. Staring at losses
after exports were hit due to lockdown since March and
due to mounting debt, many among the skilled idol-
makers now feel that these guidelines will close down
their business. The CPCB published a revised version of
its 10-year-old guidelines, which cover instructions for
idol makers, immersions at water bodies and in the sea,
festival organising committees and the responsibilities
hile plastics is used as one the best medium world
of the state pollution control board. In its guidelines, the
Wover during COVID 19 to avoid infections Trichy
CPCB encouraged the use of natural, biodegradable and
Corporation confiscated 80 Kg of single-use plastic
eco-friendly raw material – for example, use of natural
products including carry bags and Tea cups from 105
clay, pyramid of sugarcane sticks that represents the
shops in Trichy city levying an penalty of Rs 25,000/-Civic
pandals and natural clay mixed with alum for making
body officials say that the plastic contrabands are door-
idols.“Idols made up of PoP shall be banned. Only dried
delivered during the night as godowns for the banned
plastic products are situated in the outskirts. KC
Neelamegam, an environmental activist said, “During
the lockdown Meat stalls are getting the plastic carry
bags at their doorsteps. Trucks carrying essential
commodities are used to transport the plastic carry bags
in bulk from other parts of the state.” Also As parcel
services in eateries and grocery stores are taking
precedence due to lockdown restrictions, plastic carry
bags have become essential for delivery. Local said that
traders are desperate to source single-use plastics to
sustain their business as people are not carrying vessels
or bags with them during the purchase. “Not only door- flower components and straws among others for making
delivery, some shops are still selling the banned plastic ornaments of idols and natural resins of trees may be
items clandestinely,” an eatery owner under the used as a shining material for making idols attractive,”
condition of anonymity added. Though the authorities the guidelines said. Brihanmumbai Samanvay
said that they are considering a soft approach to tackle Ganeshotsav Sarvajanik Samiti (BSGSS), the umbrella
the situation as traders are already dejected over the body of Ganesh mandals in Mumbai, said an average of
poor business during the lockdown. “It is not that we 11,000 large (sarvajanik) idols and 1.6 lakh household
gave up on acting against the circulation of banned idols are made every year using PoP. Naresh Dahibhavkar,
plastic products. Penalisation will continue the public BSGSS president, said, “We are requesting the pollution
should cooperate by carrying a cloth bag with them control board to give some relaxations and move the
during purchase,” an official with Trichy Corporation implementation of ban to next year.
said.

MAY 2020 35 Plastics News