The weekly ‘apni mandi’ in Sector 45 Chandigarh on Monday had an unusually spick-and-span look to it. Despite the wet weather there was no ‘cheekad’, no water puddles, no litter or garbage, and the parking was also orderly, just as it ought to be. But what struck the mandi shoppers the most was the complete absence of single use, recycled plastic bags, replaced largely by paper bags.
An unbelievable scenario, one might say, and one wouldn’t be wrong. It was obviously for optics on an occasion. The entire machinery of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) appeared to have descended on the apni mandi, which became a showcase, even if for a day.
.jpg)
Photos By: Life In Chandigarh
It was International Plastic Free Bag Day and the MCC was using the occasion to once again reiterate its much hyped pledge to make the city plastic bag free, as on several occasions in the past.
As usual, Mayor Anup Gupta was there to hog the media attention, symbolically distributing one kg packets of certified compostable bags among a section of vegetable and fruit vendors, leaving the bit of interacting with them to the Commissioner. Ward councillor Gurpreet Singh also went around with them.
Displaying a sense of seriousness to the campaign to root out use of single use plastic bags in the city this time around, Commissioner Anindita Mitra told the vendors that the free distribution of compostable carry bags was purely symbolic and that henceforth it would be mandatory for them to use compostable bags only while selling their vegetable and fruits.
Considering the significant cost differential between single use plastic carry bags and the compostable bags, she assured that the Municipal Corporation will arrange to sell compostable bags at each apni mandi at a concessional rate of around Rs 200 per kg in with the help of creditable suppliers.
She said that the corporation would also encourage visitors to bring their own cloth bags with them to the apni mandis. The corporation had got made such cloth bags with compartments for the convenience of vegetable and fruit buyers and would also consider vending these bags at special counters set up in each apni mandi, she added.
At the same time she cautioned the vendors that they would face strict legal action and challans if they continue to use single use plastic carry bags.
In their own wisdom the officials distributed packets of only 5 kg capacity bags, which are least used in apni mandis, as pointed out by a vendor, following which the Commissioner assured that bags of 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg capacity would be made available at concessional rates in all apni mandis.
A few counters displaying decorative cloth bags and compostable carry bags were set up on the occasion for the benefit of vegetable, fruit buyers and vendors.
The Municipal Corporation has sourced the certified compostable bags from Hallomajra, Chandigarh based company HP Green Solutions, which also sells other compostable products like customised bags, packing bags, garbage bags, spoons and glasses.
Hoping against hope that this time the Municipal Corporation really means business!
LifeInChandigarh.com by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.
To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676
