Well, the dream finally becomes a reality today! As of this morning, the ban on use of poly bags in Darjeeling has started. It is being initiatied by the Darjeeling Police along with the Darjeeling Municipality and concerned local citizens such as yours truely.
A lot of discussions have been held in the past as to whether a ban is the best solution. People have felt that a voluntary process whereby people would stop using plastic bags themselves could work. But its been tried and tested for the last 10 years without any success. I know plastic bags are bad and are choking my drains causing landslides and slips, but have I stopped using plastic bags? No. Therefore I feel it is necessary for the police and the municipality to use a "stick and carrot" policy in order to save Darjeeling from doom.
People ask me, what about the monsoons, then what do we do? How do we carry our goods? I say to them, what did we do back in the good old days? I still remember going shopping with mom with a jute carry bag and paper being used to wrap everything else. We've just beeen spoilt for choices in Darjeeling and everywhere in India. What the West is giving up as harmful after so many years the 3rd world is lapping it up eagerly.
Anyways, the more people you ask for opinions, the more it gets complicated. I feel the Superintendent of Darjeeling Police, Mr. Rajesh Subarno has done the right thing by initiating the ban and thanks to the Darjeeling Municipality it is being implemented seriously. Lets give this process a chance and not harp on too many development theories as to what will work and what wont. After all Singapore did not become a litter and chewing gum free country without fines and punishment beinig imposed. So chill and use paper bags instead. The mantra is Reduce, Recycle and Reuse...
1 comment:
Or one can go buy those nice bags from Hayden Hall. Whereby one would be doing a little charity too. Frankly, its been quite a success. Don't see no plastic bags around. Hope this continues.
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