Angul: Even as the circulation of banned polythene materials is rampant here, the seizure of mere two kilograms of the banned materials and collection of Rs 1,300 as fine by the municipality authorities here Friday has left local residents doubting the role of the civic body.
The people here allege that the civic body is carrying out raids in name only. “Had they been a little more serious and stricter, there would have been a significant decrease in the use of banned polythene materials,” they observed.
According to them, the measures taken by the civic authorities are not sufficient to curb the trend. In fact, there are some godowns in the town. They get the supply of these banned materials early in the mornings. These godowns have stock of tons of such banned materials.
“If the polythene carry bags and other things are banned, then how are the roads found littered with such materials every morning,” they said, expressing their astonishment.
When asked, Subrat Kumar Behera, who is in additional charge of the executive officer, of Angul Municipality, said, “We have been trying to find out the source points. Once they are found out and checked, the circulation would automatically come down. Our officials are carrying out raids regularly. If any businessman is found hoarding or using these banned materials, stringent action would be taken against them.”
PNN
