Plastic sector demands withdrawal of ban, claims it led to loss of 1 lakh jobs

Bengaluru, Sept 1: Demanding the Karnataka government to immediately withdraw the ban on plastic, hundreds of people belonging to plastic sector yesterday staged a protest at Freedom Park here. The protest was organised by the Karnataka State Plastic Association (KSPA) and related associations and industry.

The protesters alleged that the drive has resulted in a loss of one lakh jobs and Rs 20,000 crore. They demanded that carry bags above 50 microns and plastic covers to deliver goods be allowed. They urged authorities to lift garbage daily and also called for a three-bin culture to be implemented.

“The ban on plastic is unscientific and unjustified as it was imposed without taking into consideration the loss to the plastic industry and its legitimate uses,” said V Vjay Kumar, president of KSPA. “Ever since we have been under the scanner the BBMP officials have raided many retail outlets with police misbehaving with owners,” he said.

“We want the orders to be revoked immediately,” said CR Janardhan, senior vice-president of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “Karnataka produces plastic worth an estimated Rs 50,000 crore. Of this, 60% can be recycled. Exports are suffering because we cannot use plastic bags anymore.”

Pointing out that grocers have taken a massive hit because of the ban, Janardhan said the government should instead focus on how to use plastic so that it does not harm the environment. The protesters took exception to the April 4 government order, which replaced ban on “plastic carry bags” with a blanket ban on all plastic materials used for the purpose of carrying or dispensing commodities.

Ramesh Jain from Garment Industry Association questioned, “We deal in silk clothes and sarees most of the time. How can we keep our products safe without plastic bags?”