JMC to act tough against violators of anti-polythene ban

PS Bali

Jammu

Intensifying its drive against the use of polythene carry bags to make the city polythene free, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has decided to take strict action against the violators.

The drive against polythene in the city was going on from past one year and the JMC claims to achieve 30 percent success in thwarting the usage of polythene bags.

JMC officials say that the regular visits of inspection teams are proving very productive for keeping control over use of polythene bags.

"We are working continuously on anti polythene drive and to make it successful the inspection team of JMC frequently raid shops, street vendors and outlets.

The defaulters were charged with fine of Rs. 300-500," said Chief Enforcement Officer JMC, Satish Khajuria.

He further added that "JMC is just helping Pollution control department in controlling this menace." JMC senior officials considered it as the duty of all citizens to make this polythene ban successful.

"Our job is to motivate general masses about the harmful effects of polythene as it is non-biodegradable product and is hazardous for the environment. It is the job of every citizen to stop using polythene bags at their individual part," said JMC commissioner, Mubarak Singh.

Talking to Himalayan Mail, Singh opined that "this drive is a continuous process and will take time for complete removal of polythene. We had achieved some success in curbing this nuisance but remaining is still to eradicate."

He said the population is getting aware about the threats of polythene bags, they are acting over it and we are hopeful that in coming years our state would be polythene free, as the public switch to eco-friendly bags.

To monitor the city market JMC Enforcement Field Staff led by Satish Khajuria, along with police recently inspected the shops and other outlets in the different areas of New Plots, Janipur, Paloura, Lower Roop Nagar, etc.

"During the inspection we seized about 20 Kgs of polythene carry bags from the shopkeepers, vendors and other outlets in these areas", revealed JMC official.

He also stated that an amount of Rs. 4,500 was charged as fine from 30 violators on the spot who were using polythene carry bags.

After seizing the polythene, JMC hand over it to pollution control centre for its removal.

"We handover all the seized polythene to the pollution control department: said Satish Khajuria.