HDMC panel begins drive against banned plastic

Hubballi: HDMC’s health committee and a team of officials will inspect commercial establishments in the city to curb usage of banned plastic carry bags and other materials. They will also visit in Station Road, Janata Bazar, Dajibanpet, Durgadbail and other market areas and take action against vendors who are still using banned plastic products.
The committee started the drive on Monday evening and checked if commercial establishments had all the necessary documents. They also seized 40 kg of banned plastic materials and collected a fine nearly Rs 40,000.

HDMC health officer Dr Prabhu Biradar, health officer said, “We have frequently conducted raids and seized banned plastic materials but had not slapped fines on shopkeepers. Despite frequent warnings and creating awareness among vendors, the usage of plastic continues.”

“The committee members along with officials from the environment department, health officer, health inspector and officials from zonal offices are making rounds of the city and visiting commercial establishments including hotels, grocery shops and others and seizing banned plastic items. Besides, we are also checking trade license, medical certificates, and other documents,” he said. The drive will continue for some more days in the city.

According to sources, in 2017-18 the civic body recovered nearly 26 quintals of banned plastic materials and collected Rs 26 lakh in fines.

Health committee chairman Shivanand Muttannavar said they will pay surprise visits to commercial establishments in Hubballi on two days a week and once a day in Dharwad.

“As a result of our continuous raids, about 75% of shop keepers have stopped using banned plastic.