DNA talks to Nidhi Choudhary, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner. Choudhary is also responsible for the implementation of the plastic ban in the state
Do you think plastic ban is 100 per cent successful in Mumbai?
This ban is deeply connected with the human behaviour. We have to create awareness about plastic just like in case of toilet use or dustbin use. The nature of such things is that it needs constant hammering. People should be aware about reducing their plastic use. We have to tell it 100 times if we need some results. Law is not the permanent solution.
But BMC is on the top in collecting fines...
Collecting fines is not our priority. However, we are doing it to make people aware that we will not tolerate usage of banned plastic items. People are changing. They are opting for alternatives. Slowly but steadily...
Activists are saying that there are not enough alternatives to plastic items...
There are options. One can use ecosac bags, which are made up of some kind of polyester (material used for umbrella) . The state government has put a ban on the one-time usable plastic items. If we use items which have a long-term use, then surely, it is a better option than the non-biodegradable plastic.
If awareness is the key, what kind of awareness is BMC spreading?
We focuse on schoolchildren as they have an influence in their families and they are the future citizens. BMC organised rallies at the ward-level. But more awareness is needed for an effective ban.
