Ban on polythene bags approved

KARACHI:

Administrator Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab has approved a resolution regarding complete ban on polythene bags in Karachi.

Under the decision, the manufacture, sale and use of polythene bags will be completely banned in the city to offset the losses caused by the use of polythene bags.

As per draft of the resolution, the use of polythene bags has increased in the city areas to a dangerous extent. Plastic shoppers and polythene bags are unsparingly and invariably used by shops even when they sell petty items.

Plastic is a non-perishable commodity and throwing away used plastic bags not only increases garbage in the city but also leads to air pollution when burned. Similarly, these bags cause sewerage lines to become clogged, which can lead to drainage problems. Sewage water also stagnates due to bags piled up on the sidewalks and roads, causing severe inconvenience to the residents. Every year, before the rains, it is observed that the city's rain drains and nullahs are filled with plastic shoppers. Due to excessive use of plastic bags, the city begins to map out the flood situation even in times of moderate rainfall.

The Planning and Development Department, Government of Sindh, in a letter sent to the Administrator, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, had also recommended implementation of the decisions taken by the government agencies regarding complete ban on polythene bags.

In addition, the above resolution requested KMC to approve a complete ban on the manufacture, sale and use of polythene bags in the city. Otherwise, under Section 15 (132) of the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 and Schedule VI, the KMC has jurisdiction to take legal action against violators after June 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2022.