Statute to get rid of polythene habits - Gammanpila
Disna MUDALIGE
A statute to prohibit the use of polythene in the Western Province
for decoration and advertising purposes is compiled to guide the public
to get rid of polythene habits said, Western Province Agriculture,
Agrarian Development, Minor Irrigation, Industries and Environment
Minister Udaya Gammanpila.
Addressing a media conference held yesterday at the Provincial
Council he said that, in 2009, 162,253 metric tons of polythene are
imported for various products.
"Considering the distribution of population and the economic
activities, about 50 percent of imported polythene is used within the
Western Province. People are tempted to use polythene due to the
easiness of use and less cost. But we do not know the harm we cause for
the existence of human beings and animals," he noted. "Polythene takes
about 50- 400 years to deteriorate. By aggregating on the soil,
polythene prevents the flow of rain water to the earth. The drainage
pipes are also blocked in the urban roads and residential areas. Because
of that a situation of flood occurs even after a little rain.
Diseases such as asthma, cancer and visionary weaknesses can occur by
aspirating the harmful air emitted in the combustion of polythene.
Freely roaming animals are dying by eating polythene while polythene
provides a breeding spot for mosquitoes," he explained. Explaining the
legal approach of the statute Environmental Lawyer Jagath Gunerwardena
said that, people who go against the statute can be fined Rs. 20,000-
50,000, and can be subjected to three years imprisonment.
"The word 'Polythene' is referred as a common word to all
combinations of polythene, and this prevents offenders' chances to
escape from the law. The money obtained by fining will be transferred to
a special fund to develop alternatives and research on polythene," he
elaborated.
"This is the first step towards a polythene free province. Depending
on the success of this approach, this will be extended to other
polythene and plastic products in the meantime.
I hope all politicians will work to make this a success by being
exemplary," Gammanpila concluded.
|
