To oppose the ban on the usage of plastic bags and thermocol products in Karnataka, plastic manufacturers and traders in the state moved the state high court. The state government has banned use of plastic and polythene carry bags that are below 40 microns since 11 March.
The petitioners contented that the ban on plastic usage has drastically affected the plastic manufacturing industry and restaurants in the state—the ban has borne an adverse effect on the parcel section in restaurants.
Media reports say that Bangalore alone generates 1,050 tonnes of plastic garbage everyday and Karnataka produces 30,000 tonnes of plastic covers annually.
The government justified the ban saying plastic bags are hazardous to the environment—they block sewage drains and pollute water bodies in urban areas.
The 11 March notification reads: No shopkeeper, vendor, wholesale dealer, retailer, trader, hawker or salesman shall use plastic carry bags, plastic banners, plastic buntings, flex, plastic flags, plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic spoons, cling films and plastic sheets for spreading on dinning table irrespective of thickness including the above items made of thermocol and plastic which use plastic microbeads.
