Save Yamuna Ban Plastic Bags

SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS

Plastic does not dissolve; it breaks into tiny pieces, contaminates soil, waterways, sewage pipes, and enters oceans. It stays for many years and at its size, it is eaten by every single organism in the world’s oceans including the great Blue Whale. Plastic is durable, flexible and long lasting.  

A number of countries have banned very thin plastic bags, including China, South Africa, Uganda and Bangladesh. Ireland introduced a charge of 15 euro cents per bag in 2002 which led to a 95% reduction in plastic bag use. Wales introduced six euro cents per bag and threatens shops with a 5000 euro fine. Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway and the Netherlands are among the countries following Ireland’s lead. These decisions are boost for conservationists who have been fighting for years to reduce the huge volumes of devastating plastic litter harming the environment.

In Delhi ban on use of plastic bags has been imposed with fine of 10000 rupees on its sellers and storage. A previous effort in 2009 to introduce a partial ban on plastic bags in Delhi did not make much of an impact. No law whatsoever deterred people to use plastic bags and it is same for the shopkeepers. There are few big departmental stores have shifted to Jute bags or Paper bags. Plastic bags have polluted the river Yamuna most. Until and unless the ban is strictly implied, no means can save river Yamuna.