Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Chandra cracks down on firms over plastic waste issue
GHAZIABAD: Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has issued notice to as many as 10 firms including Coca-Cola and Bisleri.
GMC issued the notice under the producers’ responsibility norms in accordance to the Plastic Waste Management Rules. These rules state that collection of multi-layered plastic sachets is the responsibility of the producers, importers and brand owners who introduce such products in the market. According to officials, the month of May witnessed a drive against plastic waste.
A notice under sub rule 9(1 and 2) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules was issued to the company. Since then, nine other firms have received similar notices. In addition to this, the firms have to pay a penalty of Rs 50,000 each.
According to the officials, none of the firms have responded to the notice. Only Coca-Cola has come forward and ensured to contribute towards the provision through CSR projects. Other firms that received notices include Springs &Food Pvt Ltd, Modipure Industries, Kumar Beverages Industries, Gayatri Products, Ess Enn Industries, Bhagwan Venketeshwara Breads & Beverages Pvt Ltd, Flora H2O Beverages and Varun Beverages.
Further Developments
Another notice was issued on Friday, GMC commissioner Dinesh Chandra said. “The corporation has been proactively educating bulk waste generators about their roles and responsibilities. If the firms start taking it seriously, the city will become cleaner,” Chandra said.
Under the extended producers’ manufacturing responsibility norms, manufacturers need to work out modalities for waste collection in collaboration with the state urban development departments. They can do it through their distribution channel or the local bodies.
The firms have to submit a plan to collect plastic waste to the state pollution control board. The firms will submit the plan while applying for consent to establish, operate or renew permits. The civic body is also planning to write to online-retailers asking them to look for alternatives to plastic wrappers used in delivering products. “GMC will not hesitate to file a public interest litigation (PIL),” Chandra said.