Peshawar: The provincial government has been asked by the Public Health Association (PHA) to impose a ban on the use of all kinds of plastic bags, a news source reported on Tuesday. It was also urged that awareness should be created about how plastic bags are negatively impacting the environment.
A delegation for this purpose called on the provincial minister for Local Government and Rural Development (LG&RD), Shahram Khan Tarakai. Several others including Secretary Local Council, Khizer Hayat Khan and CEO Water and Sanitation Programme (WSSP) Peshawar, Engineer Khanzeb Khan were part of this delegation.
A briefing was given by PHA ambassador for Plastic Pollution Control, Dr Tauseef. He stated that plastic bags and wrappers were threatening birds and wildlife. These items are non-biodegradable; taking at least a thousand years to decompose. The heaps of plastic are highly evident in blocked nullahs and garbage sites across the city. He proceeded to tell the minister about the ongoing process for a campaign, which will encourage the reduced use of plastic bags. The campaign will also focus on introducing gradable bags.
Addressing the delegation, the minister highlighted that plastic bags were among the significant causes of environmental pollution. He talked about how the excessive usage was destroying the ecosystem and that hurdles preventing the ban will be eradicated.
Tarakai assured PHA that the provincial government will involve stakeholders for the successful eradication of this threat to the environment. He offered complete cooperation for the campaign to be launched for creating awareness and promoting biodegradable bags.
