KINS Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 09 (KINS): The rampant use of polythene bags in Sunjwan, Jammu continues with little or no check from the authorities.
“The ban on polythene has been in place for years, but no one seems to follow it. Shops and vegetable vendors still give customers plastic bags,” said Imran Ahmad, a college student.
People here don’t know the benefits of using paper bags. In other countries, paper bags are used to carry groceries, clothes, books, and more. They are eco-friendly and help reduce pollution.
The ban on polythene carry bags was introduced under SRO-122 in 2009 as part of the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material Act. In 2011, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Environmental Committee also called for strict action and public awareness about the dangers of polythene. However, these measures have not been effectively enforced.
Residents and businesses in Sunjwan continue to use polythene bags freely, worsening the area’s environmental problems.
Polythene bags litter roadsides, public spaces. People also throw them into open drains, further complicating waste management and blocking water channels.
“Plastic bags are cheap and convenient,” admitted a local shopkeeper, adding that authorities have not pressured them to stop using polythene or offered alternatives.
Experts warn that discarded polythene is a major threat to the local environment and wildlife. Animals often eat the plastic, mistaking it for food, which can lead to death. Polythene waste also blocks water channels, increasing the risk of floods during heavy rains.
“Polythene waste is a ticking time bomb, but no one seems serious about addressing it,” said one concerned environmentalist.
Residents of Sujwan are calling for immediate action to tackle the issue before it worsens further. They urge authorities to enforce the ban, promote alternatives like paper bags, and educate the public about the dangers of polythene pollution.(KINS)
Polythene use goes unchecked in Sunjwan, Jammu
