ZP directs 223 GPs to ensure ban on burning of plastic

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat has taken the issue of burning plastic bags and other waste materials in many of the gram panchayats in the district seriously and has issued a circular to the executive officers of all taluks.
Considering the issue that was brought to the attention of the zilla panchayat by the Jana shikshana trust, an NGO engaged in activities related to cleanliness in the district, the zilla panchayat has directed taluks to ensure that instances of burning plastic and other waste materials should not recur in any of the gram panchayats.
TOI had recently highlighted the issue of burning plastic bags and other waste in public by some gram panchayats too.
“The burning of plastic waste in public places and swachh sankeerna by gram panchayats are serious matters of concern. Hence, directions should be given to all gram panchayats to ban the burning of plastic waste. Further, solid waste should be managed scientifically as per the guidelines under the swachh bharat abhiyan,” zilla panchayat CEO Kumar stated in a letter sent to taluk executive officers of Mangaluru, Moodbidri, Ullal, Mulky, Bantwal, Kadaba, Belthangady and Sullia.
Recently, Jana shikshana trust wrote a letter to the zilla panchayat highlighting the issue. Trust director N Sheena Shetty told TOI that there is a need for constant monitoring of waste management in villages. “Instances of burning waste, especially plastic, will lead to serious health issues and contribute to the pollution of the environment. If we continue to ignore the issue, Pachanady-like fire mishaps may occur in villages,” said Shetty, a former ombudsman for NREGA in Dakshina Kannada.
In fact, the trust had noticed during a study that many gram panchayats were burning waste instead of recycling it. Shetty said that many shops in villages have also been burning waste by the roadside.
“The trust will continue the campaign to ensure that no waste is incinerated in the district. We have a very efficient waste management system in the district, which needs proper implementation,” he added.