Aam aadmi will be hit: Manufacturer body prez

Mumbai: In the wake of environment minister Ramdas Kadam announcement of a statewide plastic ban, the president of All India Plastic Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), Hiten Bheda, said that such a move would affect the common man, and paper bags are ‘more harmful to the environment’. 

Stating that the ban  would lead to corruption because a provision of three months’ imprisonment has been made along with a hefty fine, Mr Bheda told The Asian Age, “Plastic manufacturers are ready to cooperate with the government to curb pollution, but we have to find out practical ways and solutions.”

The plastic ban will be imposed across the state from Gudi Padwa (Sunday). In the first phase Thermocol, plastic plates, glasses, spoons and bags have been banned. Violators will be imposed with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to five lakh and/ or imprisonment of up to three months. 

AIPMA has already brought up its differences with the government. Nevertheless, the government has gone ahead with the move, prompting the association to call a meeting to decide the future course of action next week, said Mr Bheda. 

Explaining the views of the AIPMA, Mr Bheda said, “A ban would affect the poor and middle class because plastic is cheap and very useful. It is extremely difficult to pack eatables in paper bags. What will hoteliers, coconut water or juice centre vendors and shop owners use to parcel food items? The paper industry also causes pollution and more trees will be cut if the use of paper increases.”

“The ban in Karnataka and other places could not be implemented because there were genuine issues. We can’t simply copy the US’ system. We have to offer a cheaper alternative. We are ready to cooperate but everybody should contribute,” Mr Bheda said.