Linking Rd stalls join in initiative to promote plastic bag free zone in the area

    Residents of H-west ward organised a meeting with stall owners of Linking Road to convince them to stop storing plastic bags. Aftab Siddiqui, chairperson, Linking Road Citizens Forum said, “All the 120 stall owners on Linking Road have agreed to give their customers goods in bags made of bio-degradable material or paper bags. The traders will come up with sample pieces. Once approved by the forum, they will start giving goods to customers in these bags.”

    Amin Surya, who owns a western outfits’ stall said, “The traders are also a part of the citizens movement and are therefore committed to discontinuing the use of plastic bags. The search for durable paper bags that are also cost-effective has already begun. The other option is to use cloth but it will cost us Rs 4 per bag. The only worrying factor is whether the customer is willing to bear this additional cost.”

    Riyaz Contractor, a foot-wear vendor said, “Every stall owner makes use of atleast 60 to 70 plastic bags and this does cost us around Rs 25 per day. On the other hand, a good paper bag costs Rs 10. It can only work if the customer is willing to bear half the cost.” The traders are also contemplating storing fashionable but cheap plastic bags, which can be sold at their stalls.

    Siddiqui said, “A consensus has already been formed and the ban on plastic bags on Linking Road will come into effect from January 9.”

    The residents will now have a meeting with restaurant and eateryowners of Linking Road. Anil Joseph of H-west ward citizens trust said, “Eateries use plastic bags in home deliveries. They can use paper bags or plastic containers.