Plastic bags ban is easier said than done, lament hawkers

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

Karnataka was the first State in India to impose a ban on plastic bags in 2016. However, even after the ban, people continued to use plastic products in the state. From July 1, the central government has put a blanket ban on plastic products across India, and the state government has revived its drive against plastic.

The blanket ban can be effective in large commercial establishments with enough capital to switch from plastic to cloth bags. But the ban is not practical for small street vendors, who feel such expensive alternatives won’t be viable.

“Most people don’t carry a cloth bag with them when they come to buy vegetables. So we have to provide them. Giving them a plastic bag is cheaper; it costs less than Rs 2, while cloth bags will cost around Rs 10. How are we supposed to make a profit then,” said Salim, a vegetable seller in Shivajinagar.

Some vendors say that even customers, who were unaware of the ban, demanded plastic bags. “These bans keep coming and going. We spend so much money buying these paper bags, and after some time, the people and police will forget about the ban. So, I have decided not to buy anything in bulk,” says Anil, a fruit seller at Ejipura Bus stand.

Many customers also complain that it is not possible to carry heavy groceries in paper bags. “This decision is good for the environment. But it is not very practical to carry vegetables in a paper bag. I don’t remember carrying a bag with me every day when I go out. So, I habitually ask for a plastic bag from the vendor. But now, if the ban is there, I will try to use one bag for a long time,” says Akansha, a customer.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has not provided any alternatives to these vendors, as of now. KSPCB officials say alternatives are available in the market, like paper bags and muslin bags. Even though the prices of alternatives are high, the people will have to adopt them because the pollution level in the city is increasing every day.

According to Syed Khaja of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, the ban might affect the prices of goods, but in the long run, it is good for the environment. “There is no specific budget allotted to provide alternatives to the vendors. Even if there is a slight price rise for goods, it is temporary. People have to understand that this ban is for the greater good. And they should take responsibility to protect the environment,” he said.