SMC Commissioner calls upon all the stake holders in society to eradicate the menace of plastic pollution from Srinagar city.
Athar Amir Khan,
Commissioner, SMC held a meeting with various stakeholders in the society to discuss the problem of plastic menace and the pragmatic means to achieve ‘Plastic Free Srinagar’.
The meeting was attended by the senior officials from Pollution Control Board, Srinagar Development Authority, Forest Department, LCMA, Education, Industries , Panchyat Raj, President, Private School Association and various NGO’s.
The participants during the course of meeting discussed the details regarding the Plastic wastage generated in Srinagar city.
During the meeting, It was directed that Information and Awareness Campaign shall be launched in all schools, colleges, Public places, Religious places and other community centers to spread awareness among masses about the negative effects of plastic pollution.
Commissioner, SMC also directed the concerned officials to put an effective mechanism in place to deter the use of plastic in the city.
It was further disscussed that the Eco Clubs needs to be actively involved in making the campaign successful.
It was unanimously decided that SMC and LCMA will collectively launch an intensive mass awareness campaign in Dal and Nigeen areas to inform people about the harmful effects of plastic and motivate public to adhere to the plastic ban.
It was decided that the officials will make use of Public Addressing System for the purpose.
As the parks and public spaces are important part of the city, it was enjoined upon the concerned officials that a strict checkup be conducted regularly to ensure no plastic bags are used at these places.
In order to contain the use of plastic bags , Commissioner SMC passed strict instructions to concerned officials to ensure the plastic free markets.
For that purpose, Market checking teams will be deputed to seize, confiscate and impose heavy penalty on plastic bag dealers, shopkeeper or even end users on regular basis.
The participants in the meeting expressed that there is a dire need of an eco friendly replacement for plastic bags and a proper proposal in that regard should be envisaged.
In the end of the meeting, Commissioner, SMC directed the concerned officials that an effective plan be devised to impose complete plastic ban so that the concept of ‘Plastic Free Srinagar city’ can be realized in next four months.
