ISLAMABAD: Despite a ban on polythene bags, use and production continues and goes unchecked in federal capital due to lukewarm attitude of the authorities concerned.
“The stall holders at Sunday bazars use black polythene bags without any hesitation as they dodge customers by selling substandard items. Customers only notice it when they reach home,” said Shahid Akram a resident of G 9.
“Under the very nose of Capital Development Authority (CDA) the stall holders of fruits and vegetables at the same time cheat the buyers by selling sub-standard food items,” a shopper Farzana Ahmed said.
“The ban on polythene bags is entirely in favour of human health and the sale, purchase and use of polythene, plastic bags are completely banned in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT),” an official said.
As it has number of health hazards the usage of polythene bags is not recommended by the health experts. It cannot be disposed of, as it involves mixing a small quantity of a petroleum based compound or olefin with the polyethylene resins.
The olefin introduces biodegradation characteristics to the plastic which are activated when the plastic comes in contact with air.
“From there on bacteria can decompose the weak molecular structure of the plastic,” Dr.Arif Majeed said.
“At present the regular plastic bags are sold for Rs85 87 perkilogram (kg) while the oxo biodegradable bags cost around Rs92 per kg,” a shopkeeper Raza Ahmed said.s
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