Under the banner of the Swachh Survekshan 2022 campaign, Lucknow Municipal Corporation has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic in the city. This means the use of any product that is cast in less than 75-micron plastic is deemed illegal in Lucknow. This includes the normal plastic (polythene) bags, garbage bags and other such plastic items that are on-biodegradable and non-reusable.
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In a new campaign launched by Municipal Commissioner Ajay Kumar Dwivedi, LMC decided to put an embargo on single-use plastic in Lucknow. As per reports, this green initiative has been rolled out to spread awareness about the ill effects of toxic products on the environment.
The Nagar Nigam has deployed as many as 110 champions and zonal officers to supervise and manage the campaign, with agility and strictness in Lucknow. This vigilant force also includes cleaning and food inspectors of LMC who will be deputed across major markets in the city, such as Aminabad, Hazratganj, Narhi Bazar, Kaiserbagh, Charbagh, Rajajipuram E-Block Market, from Naka to Shriram Road via Ganeshganj Market, Daliganj Bazar, Kapurthala Square and others.
The team will educate city dwellers, shop keepers and other merchants about the disadvantages of using single-use plastic products. This LMC will also promote the usage of other alternative biodegradable and reusable options, such as paper, cloth and jute bags, among people.
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It takes up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill. Here too, the composite is not completely broken but is converted microplastics that absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment. The plastic component then continues to harm all terrestrial life, including plants and animals. It can also spur other troubles such as causing land infertility, clogging of drains and water pollution among others.
Switching to reusable and biodegradable options will not only ensure environmental safety but also improve cleanliness in the city. Once fully implemented, the campaign will effectively help to reduce plastic waste generated in the city, actively assisting the city to become - cleaner & greener.
- with inputs from Pawan Kaushal
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