Pune: Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam, on Wednesday, stressed on the need for a ban on plastic for a better environment. The minister was in the city on Wednesday afternoon to take review of the status of plastic use in Pune and nearby districts. The meeting was attended by Pune Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Dalvi, Dr P Anbalagan of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Collector of Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, officials of the revenue department and other dignitaries. Kadam said that the plastic ban will strictly be implemented from Gudipadwa in Maharashtra State. "There is a need for mass level awareness of hazards of the use of plastic. There is need to stop production and usage of plastic, as the environment is getting affected due to it. We surely can find alternate means for plastic and as the common man is a stakeholder in plastic usage he should also contribute towards the betterment of the environment," added Kadam.
The Environment Minister highlighted that plastic ban should be promoted at the corporation and gram panchayat level. "Cloth sack can be used as an alternative to plastic and usage of cloth sack can also provide employment to many people," added Kadam, who informed that the government is working on laws related to plastic ban.
Speaking on various environment issues, including dumping of debris on the river bank, pollution of Mutha river, encroachment on the river bank and other issues, Kadam said that he has asked the concerned departments to submit a report in seven days. The minister also added that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked to file cases against builders who are not abiding by the norms of tree cutting. As per the law, three trees are to be planted by the builder for each tree cut by the builders.
