If the new muzrai (religious endowments) minister has his way, then the state could see a ban on the use of polythene bags in temples, within a fortnight.
If the new muzrai (religious endowments) minister has his way, then the state could see a ban on the use of polythene bags in temples, within a fortnight.
Ready to face opposition from polythene manufacturers, Krishna J Palemar said, “The department (muzrai) can take an independent decision on this. I had this in mind ever since I assumed the charge of the minister for environment and ecology. After a detailed study of the situation arising out of the plastic menace, I have decided to put the polythene bags out of the temple premises.”
Palemar told DNA that all the temples will have to follow the order once the ban is announced; any violation of the ban will be severely dealt with.
Coming down heavily on the practice of giving prasadam wrapped in polythene carry bags, the minister said that images of the deity and the names of the temples printed on the bags hurt the sentiments of the devotees and also caused pollution.
The minister said about 15 crore people visit 102 well-known temples in the state every year. “Imagine the state of the environment if each devotee carelessly disposes of the polythene bag. I want to put an end to this hazardous practice,” he said.
Palemar plans to take the war against polythene bags to the next step by targeting shopping outlets, hotels and 50 other businesses and trades listed in the civic bodies. The gauge of the legal polythene bags will be enhanced to 40 microns from the present 20. The state government has already sounded the central government about the urgency of this enhancement.
“The 40 microns polythene bags are 120% more expensive and shopkeepers who give them away freely now, will not be able to do so. My officers have told me that each polythene bag of 1 kg capacity will cost not less than Rs4 and the government can also impose 18% VAT on the bulk sales which will further increase the price by 70 paise. This will encourage the consumers and the shopkeepers to use cloth bags and baskets,” said Palemar.
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