Mangalore : The Dakshina Kannada District Administration is all set for a total ban on plastics in Mangalore taluk to begin with  from November 1. Already a publicity vehicle jatha aimed at sensitizing the public on the ill-effects of the plastics and also the administration decision to ban it with effect from November 1, has been flagged off. But the big question is will the plastic ban be successful.

In fact the administration in Mangalore has already banned plastic bags of below 40 microns thickness. Still the banned plastic bags are used as well as sold in various shops in Mangalore. This despite several raids by MCC team as well as seizure of the banned plastic bags.

Why is it that the public is not interested in adhering to the directive? First and foremost is that the plastic bags are available for cheap. The district administration is firm in going ahead with plastic ban. But will people go in for paper or cloth bags which are best alternative available. More than paper bags, the cloth bags are best as they are long-lasting and reusable.

There is a need to create awareness among the public in this regard. They can very well stitch cloth bags at home and use it while going shopping,

Even if the district administration ban is effective, there are always the packaged food items which are  packed in plastic sachets like biscuits, breads and other bakery and food items. This has been exempted from the ban and this would mean that the city cannot be plastic free as people are certain to buy such food products which yield more plastic waste.

Then, where lies the solution? As per the DC,plastic bags, cups and covers will be banned from November 1. Even the Mangalore City Corporation here is planning to have a bylaw for plastic waste management and handling. As per the bye-law no plastic carry bag shall be used as means of advertisement of any product or trade. The draft will come for before the council meeting.

As per the draft, MCC will levy a pollution cost of Rs 500 on retailers issuing plastic carry bags to consumers for free or selling it without authorization. Trading licenses of retailers will be cancelled for the second offense. The ratified by law will be sent to the government for approval and its implementation will follow once the government gives the go ahead.

Meanwhile, some experts argue that  ban on plastic may not minimize environment pollution and they have reasons in support of their argument. In toto, it is now left to be seen how effectively the administration would enforce plastic ban.