Guwahati sounds bugle against polythene

Guwahati, June 30: Even as shoppers raise dust over the Asom government's recent ban on the use of plastic carry bags, an NGO has come up with eco-friendly paper bags, earthen cups, plates made of beetle nut leafs as a substitute for the hazardous polythene.

The ENVIRON, working against the use of polythene carry bags, has launched a campaign in the city urging people to avoid using the plastic bags and use the paper bags as an alternative for everyday use. They will organize public meetings, gathering in many parts of the city and urge people to use paper bags of different sizes which are capable of carrying weight up to 10 kgs.

''Polythene has become a curse for the residents here. Though it is difficult to completely stop using the polythene, people can use the paper bags which are completely eco-friendly as well as handy for every day use,'' said Amarjyoti Kashyap of the NGO.

The NGO is ready to circulate the paper bags produced by a group of youths under the banner- North East Kraft Paper Bag Manufacturer at a 'premium price'.

While the price of the carry bags has been fixed at Rs 3 to Rs 5, an earthen cup has been priced at 35 paise.

''Though the price is a little more than the plastic bags, it is entirely eco-friendly and can be reused. Once people start using the bags and receive support from the government, we will be able to supply at lower prices,'' another activist of the NGO said.

The ENVIRON which is working to promote the eco-friendly bags since 2004 said that because of a strong lobby backing the business of polythene, it is yet to gain momentum in the city as well as in the region.

''Plastic is really causing havoc in the city. It is not only clogging our drains, it is contaminating our food packaged in plastics as well as creating serious health hazards. We should try to take a pledge to stop using polythene and use the eco-friendly paper bags,'' Kashyap said.

''The traders as well as residents are eager to use the paper bags as alternative of the polythene, but they are hesitating because of the price,'' he said.

''We are really facing trouble because of the plastic ban as there is no alternative available. Since the NGO is supplying the paper bags we are ready to use, but the price is a bit high. If the government supports to lower the price, we are ready to promote the use of paper bags,'' said Rajnish Agarwal, a shopkeeper in Bhangagarh.

The NGO also urged the government to support them to promote the use of paper bags. ''We have been urging the government for many years to support us, but nothing has come our way. We again request the government to help us so that we can intensify our campaign and help to reduce the use of polythene,'' an NGO official added.

Guwahati has reeled under massive water logging during showers, and many put the blame on the polythene bags which have clogged the city's sewage system.

Facing rebuke after the recent flash floods, the administration has banned the use of polythene bags in the capital city, though not all traders seem to be 'obedient' takers.

UNI