Pune: Residents from several housing societies in Wadgaon Sheri on Sunday took to the streets to raise awareness against the use of thin and single-use plastic carry bags, with participants also planning to submit a representation to PMC seeking a ban on their manufacture, sale or distribution.The walk was organised by Clean Wadgaon Sheri Group (CWG). Participants assembled at three locations and walked towards the Wadgaon Sheri Bhaji Mandai.The campaign focused on the growing use of thin plastic bags and the need for citizens, vendors and civic authorities to work together to reduce plastic waste. Residents referred to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) characterisation studies indicating that thin-film and Category II plastics, including lightweight shopping bags and thin packaging sheets, account for a major share of locally generated plastic waste.“Plastic that cannot be recycled is very harmful and most of it is banned by the government. However, such plastic is still being illegally manufactured and used. There should be strict action against those responsible,” said resident Sunit Rehlan.The residents have also sought promotion of alternatives such as cloth, jute, paper and reusable woven bags through awareness campaigns and engagement with vendors. They have called for stricter penalties for using banned plastic bags.Rajan Vishwanathan, representing residents from Nyati Meadows, said their representation to PMC would give the campaign purpose. “We intend to submit this letter, signed by as many people as possible, to the corporators and forwarded to the commissioner. We can then mail the letter as well,” he said.Tejaswini Dey, a participant, was heartened by the turnout. “When residents come together for an issue that affects our everyday lives, the message becomes much stronger. We hope this is not a one-day campaign but the beginning of sustained action against single-use plastic,” she said.The campaigners said they hoped to build on Sunday’s event through awareness walks and campaigns aimed at creating cleaner and more sustainable neighbourhoods.
