New Delhi, Sep 16 (KNN) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has sought Union Minister for Environment Prakash Javadekar’s attention towards several confusions prevailing among trade and industry over stoppage of single use plastic, a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

CAIT has said such confusions if not taken cognizance of, may prove to be a roadblock in success of the eradication of single use plastic. They have also urged that suitable guidelines should be issued immediately to bring an end to single use plastic in the country.

The apex body of traders has already extended its full support to call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in furtherance of the same, the CAIT has already launched a nationwide campaign from 1st September, 2019 advising the traders across country not to sell or buy single use plastic or bags and advise their respective customers to bring their own bags for shopping.

‘’We are making all endeavours to make this campaign a great success since single use plastic is a great danger for environment and represent the epitome of today’s throwaway culture. However, there is great confusion prevailing in the markets about the category of items that falls under single use plastic,’’ said CAIT National President B C Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.

‘’Further, it is also not clear whether plastic above 50 micron is allowed or not. What are the alternatives available that could be promoted to replace single use plastics. So, far there is no guideline from the Government on this issue and therefore the trade, commerce and Industry is in a dilemma,’’ they added.

Both Bhartia and Khandelwal said that 98% of single use plastic is used by MNCs, Corporate Manufacturers and Big retailers either in their production line or packaging of finished goods. The traders are forced to sell goods in whatever packing they receive from the Manufacturer or source of origin. Unless and until, these Companies are not compelled to stop use of single use plastic either in production line or in packing of finished goods, there will always be an occasion for usage of single use plastic at the end of consumer. Therefore, immediate directions should be given to such manufacturers to stop using single use plastic immediately so that after 2nd October no goods should be available in the market with such packing.

The CAIT has also urged Javedkar that since 2nd October is approaching fast, the Ministry should convene a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the issue in detail and guide as to how the campaign should be conducted across Country so that vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister can be converted into a reality.

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