Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology Ramanath Rai said on Thursday that the department had received many appeals and objections regarding the complete ban on plastic. He said that he could not take any decision as the issue was now before the Cabinet.

He said this while interacting with industrialists at a session organised by Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) in the city. The industrialists pointed that they were in favour of a ban on plastic below 40 microns, but not a complete ban on plastic, especially when there was no immediate alternative available. This would affect the direct employment of around one lakh people in this sector, the industrialists said.

The industrialists asked whether Rai had issued directions to the BBMP and the KSPCB on raiding industries and seizing plastic materials. They questioned  what was being done with the seized materials, because plastic below 40 microns was still easily available in the market.

They urged the minister that a thorough check be done on this and legal action taken against those raiding the industries and selling the seized items for higher price.

Rai said that all these points would be discussed with the officials. He said non-government organisations too had raised many points which would be discussed in the Cabinet. KASSIA members submitted a memorandum to Rai, KSPCB chairman Lakshman and member secretary Shantappa, listing out their demands. Rai said that the online processes for industries would be eased and soon the process of online fee would be started.

He accepted that there was a need to resolve problems being faced by industries with regard to fixing consent fee, licences and renting buildings. He added that there was a need to take the approval of the Central Pollution Control Board, which would also be discussed.

 

Source : deccanherald.com

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