The serene city of Jammu has been entangled in a complex situation as the government's all efforts using ‘Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed' seem to have gone astray as far as implementation of prohibition of plastics is concerned. As the assurances given by the former Mayor of Jammu Rajinder Sharma to get rid of plastics in one month also remained fruitless as things on ground are still pathetic. Although the ‘hide and seek game' between concerned authorities and defaulters is in vogue with very little change in the status of use of unauthorized plastics including single use ones.
One thing is laudable that big and branded showrooms and business establishments have mend their ways and are following rules with regard to plastic ban but as far as small businesses and street vendors are concerned the situation is same as it was before the comprehensive ban on manufacturing, stocking, distributing, sale and use of plastics.
It is pertinent to mention that the ban on single-use plastics in Jammu, like in many other regions, was implemented with the noble intention of curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices however, the effectiveness of such bans often hinges on robust enforcement mechanisms and widespread compliance but in the case of Jammu, it seems that despite the ban, many entities continue to use single-use plastic products with impunity due to lax enforcement. This phenomenon not only undermines the objectives of the ban but also perpetuates environmental harm, highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns. While the ban may be in place on paper, the absence of strict consequences for non-compliance diminishes its deterrent effect. As a result, businesses and individuals may flout the ban without fear of repercussions, perpetuating the use of single-use plastics and exacerbating environmental pollution. Moreover, lax enforcement by regulatory authorities further contributes to the widespread use of single-use plastics in Jammu.
One cannot contradict that the steps taken by the government in this direction have brought much change but there is a lot more to be accomplished before the region becomes free of this scourge leading to environmental degradation and health hazards. There is a very simple solution to this one of the biggest problems of modern times and that is replacement of plastic bags with cloth bags, which are not only environment friendly but reusable also, solving many problems in one go. Kulhads can replace plastic glasses giving edge to rural economy also and installation of potable water ATMs in every nook and corner of the city can considerably reduce the use of single use pet bottles meant for selling packaged water.
These are few instances which can change the scenario and similarly other viable alternatives could be explored to ensure demise of plastics from the society, which is necessary for sustenance of life and good health because authorities alone cannot make the desired change as seen in the Temple City, where things remained almost same as far as ban on plastics is concerned despite anti-plastic drives and imposition of penalties and fines.
