LMC's Anti-Polythene Drive Faces Backlash: Shopkeepers Urge Government to Halt Manufacturing

The recent crackdown on plastic usage by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has stirred discontent among local shopkeepers. On Saturday, the LMC executed a drive, imposing a hefty Rs 35,000 penalty on traders violating plastic usage laws. While the move was intended to curb environmental hazards, it has sparked a fervent response from shopkeepers, leading them to call for a more comprehensive solution to the plastic menace.

Backlash and Shopkeeper Angst

In the aftermath of the LMC's stringent anti-polythene drive, a wave of dissatisfaction has swept through the business community. Shopkeepers, hit hard by the sudden penalties, are voicing their concerns and urging the government to reconsider its approach. Many argue that targeting the end-users and shopkeepers alone is not the solution. Instead, they propose a more holistic strategy that addresses the root cause — the manufacturing of plastic.

A Request for Manufacturing Control

The disgruntled shopkeepers are now requesting the government to shift its focus from penalizing individual traders to putting an end to the manufacturing of polythene altogether. They contend that if the production of these plastic bags is halted, their sale and usage would automatically cease. This plea reflects a growing sentiment among the business community that a top-down approach is crucial for effective change.

History of Plastic Ban and Persistent Circulation

It's important to note that the central government had banned the manufacturing, importing, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of certain single-use plastic items last year. Despite these directives, plastic bags have continued to circulate in the market, leading to the recent stringent actions by the LMC. The authorities argue that such measures are necessary to create a deterrent among traders and the public.

Comparisons with Other Cities

The situation in Lucknow is not unique. Other cities, such as Nagpur, have faced similar challenges in implementing plastic bans. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), for instance, has been collecting fines for the use of single-use plastic in vegetable and fruit markets. The ban's effectiveness has been hampered by confusion over plastic bag thickness and the state government's delay in implementing amended rules.

The Need for Comprehensive Solutions

The call for a halt in manufacturing aligns with a broader need for comprehensive solutions. Shopkeepers argue that targeting street vendors and imposing fines on users and manufacturing units alone is insufficient. They emphasize the importance of reducing single-use plastic across the city and exploring viable alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and economically feasible.

In conclusion, the LMC's anti-polythene drive has sparked a significant reaction from local shopkeepers. The demand for a shift in focus from penalties to manufacturing control underscores the complexity of the plastic issue. As the debate unfolds, a collaborative effort involving the government, businesses, and the public is essential to find sustainable solutions to the persistent plastic problem.