Sambalpur: Polythene Ban Turns 10.5 Years; City Still Swamped with Polythene
Polythene ban remains ineffective after a decade.
Polythene clogs drains, affects cattle, and pollutes the environment.
Persistent Polythene Problem
Sambalpur: Polythene is littered throughout Sambalpur’s streets and public places. Consequently, during the rainy season, drains become clogged, resulting in waterlogging. Cattle ingest polythene and become ill, while the environment suffers from increased pollution. Despite the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation’s efforts, the city is still far from polythene-free, ten years and six months after the ban was implemented.
Initial Ban Efforts
Sambalpur’s polythene ban went into effect on January 1, 2014. Shopkeepers and customers were wary at the time. Authorities conducted raids, confiscated polythene from roadside vendors, and issued fines. The authorities organized awareness campaigns, marathons, and discussion forums to spread the message. During the monsoon, the city authorities experienced relief from waterlogging problems because polythene was rare on the streets. Fearing fines, shopkeepers avoided using or selling plastic. Some traders received direct action from enforcement agents for hoarding significant amounts of polythene.
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Lax Enforcement in Recent Years
Currently, it appears that the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation’s enforcement division has reduced its efforts. Shopkeepers are once again using polythene extensively. The enforcement division’s capabilities have weakened due to a staff shortage and the retirement of some employees. Furthermore, no new hires have been made since the ban began. Polythene smuggling from neighboring districts has increased, with the substance entering the city via nearby rural areas.
Need for Stronger Enforcement
To establish Sambalpur as a “polythene-free city,” the Municipal Corporation must significantly strengthen its enforcement division. The conscious community shares this viewpoint and emphasizes that the authorities should take strong measures to address the persistent polythene problem effectively.
