600 volunteers from different states to arrive, learn how Srinagar successfully implemented polythen

             Srinagar, June 28 -Impressed with the swift success achieved by people of Srinagar in ushering municipal limits of the city towards zero-polythene zone, around 600 volunteers from different states of the country are coming to the summer capital to learn from officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and NGOs how to implement polythene ban in their respective states so that their environment and health of the people is also protected.

            The pro-environment volunteers, who have heard about the cleaning drives of river Jhelum and Nageen lake and other anti-polythene drives launched in Srinagar, have also decided to supplement these drives so that their contribution for this historical polythene ban is recorded.       

Recently national and international experts at Eco Conference on Earth Day at University of Kashmir and subsequent Conference of Experts held at SKUAST have felicitated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking timely-action in banning polythene which had created havoc in heavenly environment of Jammu and Kashmir.

With active support of the people, it is expected that Srinagar will soon surpass Shimla in maintaining city as zero-polythene zone.    

As per one estimate, around 75 lakh polythene carry bags were used in Srinagar city alone and its successful eradication has not only created market for local cottage industry but also encouraged a number of young entrepreneurs to start small ventures in manufacturing cloth and paper carry bags. Several women self-help groups are now making paper carry bags and earning their livelihood.

            SMC, PCB and other associate departments have already launched vigorous campaign to apprehend polythene smugglers. In this connection, hundreds of quintals of polythene is being seized daily and destroyed. Even go-downs used for storing polythene have been sealed and penalties to the extent of Rs.5,000 imposed for any violation. FIRs have been launched against polythene smugglers at Chotta Bazar for secretively selling polythene in defiance of the ban.

This is also a remarkable feature that in all mosques, temples and gurdwaras of Kashmir, people raised voice for polythene elimination.        

In another major boost to the drive launched against polythene, Purohit Sabha, Martand Temple, Mattan today decided to desist from using polythene for distributing prasad and replaced it with paper bags.

            The use of polythene bags at the famous temple threatened the water bodies of Mattan as the use-and-throw nature of the polythene bags resulted in its accumulation in nearby rivulets, thus becoming cause of major environmental concern and affecting the sanctity of the holy shrine.   

Today, J&K Gandhian Society, led by its President, Mr. S. P. Verma, with active cooperation of Purohit Sabha, decided to rid the famous temple shrine of the menace of polythene bags. “Keeping in view the sanctum sanctorum of Martand Temple, we decided to launch an active campaign to wipe out polythene from the area,” said Mr. Verma, who, along with members of the Purohit Sabha also undertook a cleanliness drive in the premises of the temple to remove littered polythene bags.

Praising the Purohit Sabha for its active support, Mr. Verma appealed people to discourage use of polythene given its hazardous traits and replacing it with environment-friendly cloth and paper carry bags.

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