The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFTER a partial respite in the production and use of thin polythene bags this hazardous material has once again made its appearance in the city in particular and the country as a whole. According to a study, more than 5.2 million pieces of used bags are thrown away in the capital city every day. The non-biodegradable material poses serious threat to the environment in a number of ways. For lack of proper disposal, thrown away polythene bags scatter about in the streets and ultimately accumulate in drains and sewerage lines and block flow of water creating stagnation.

These bags hold rainwater and serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread some diseases. According to experts, polythene if burnt below 7,000 degrees Celsius heat produces hydrogen cyanide and other poisonous gases, which cause cancer and skin diseases. Polythene factory workers and slum dwellers who burn polythene substances for cooking and repelling mosquitoes are seriously exposed to these noxious gases. Fish, meat, fruits and vegetables wrapped in polythene bags generate heat that create radiation and make foods poisonous. Polythene bags thrown indiscriminately are especially harmful for agricultural land. They obstruct flow of water and air to the soil and thus affect soil fertility.

The government banned the production, marketing and use of polythene bags from the beginning of 2001. Awareness about the harmful effects of polythene bags also developed among the people. But due to lack of strict enforcement of the law, profit mongers have started producing this harmful item once again. The authorities must ensure forceful application of the ban for saving the environment. Lack of adequate awareness is responsible for polythene bags coming back. Awareness raising campaigns should be started afresh with renewed vigour.