Known as white pollution, polyethylene residues continue to be increasingly prevalent. According to experts, over a period of time, this decreases soil porosity and air circulation, alters microbial communities, and compromises soil fertility. While polyethylene also releases carcinogenic phthalate acid esters into the soil and as per the experts, it together with other synthetic pesticides, can be easily absorbed by the crops, thus becomes a significant risk to human health.
There is continuous use of the polythene and subsequent dumping of it in lanes, drains, roads, fields and water bodies. The waste is generated in tonnes every day and continues to cause a serious threat to the environment. The huge quantum of plastic waste remains unattended despite various directives and guidelines issued by the Government from time to time.
Abandoned to nature, the plastic lasts for centuries, breaking apart into ever smaller pieces but never assimilating into earth or water. The first challenge is to stop any more of this plastic from reaching the water bodies. Bigger landfills aren’t a lasting solution. They can contaminate surrounding water and soils.
The sale of polythene and single use plastic has been completely banned in Jammu and Kashmir. However, as rightly pointed out by the Lieutenant Governor, the plastic pollution cannot be overcome only by government orders. He said that resolve to make J&K Polythene-free requires the active participation of every citizen.
As per the Lieutenant Governor, strategy to re-orient besides 6R-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Remove, Refuse and Report can surely provide sustainable options to people and promote alternatives for packaging and designing.
Today the earth and the ocean both are facing threat from single use plastic. Efforts of the people and the implementation of the 7R campaign will have to be intensified. There is need, both technology innovations and calibrated action, to reduce plastic pollution, enable sustainable alternatives to ensure success.
While it is important to note that the ban will succeed only if all stakeholders participate earnestly and engage in effective engagement and concerted actions, there are now workable alternatives. According to the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs, bioplastic carry bags developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) should be used as alternatives.
It remains vital to recognise the complexity of the plastic problem, and to ensure that the alternatives work in a manner to overcome the problem in a substantial manner.
