With its non-degradable nature, polythene has become a threat to the safety of human health, cattle, wildlife, crops and the entire environment. Karnal deputy commissioner B. S. Malik, who was quick to realize its threat to society as a whole, launched a year-long sustained polythene removal-cum-sanitation campaign to eradicate this evil. Not only did he personally took pains to create awareness among people and removed plastic bags from cities, villages, markets and streets, but also formed teams of officers and NGOs both in rural and urban areas to eradicate this evil.

The drive received tremendous response from the people, and NGOs even distributed 30,000 jute bags to discourage the use of polythene. As many as 108 villages and all towns of the district have been covered under this programme.

The initiator of this campaign, Malik, claimed that 30 per cent decline had been registered in the use of polythene bags due to this campaign in the district. The campaign had been proving very useful in creating awareness in the public regarding eliminating the use of polythene bags and maintaining the ecological balance. It would also minimize the danger of floods, he added.

The deputy commissioner informed that the names of 153 panchayats of the district had been recommended for “Nirmal Purskar” to the Government of India. He further informed that this drive would also be continued in the second successive year.

He further said in order to create awareness regarding polythene, a short documentary film entitled “Polythene Hataao, Paryavaran Bachao: Ek Paryaas” had been showing in the district. Besides this, plays would also be organised on this subject.

Inspired by the ongoing ‘polythene removal drive’ sarpanches, panches, NGOs and educational institutes decided to clean all villages and towns of district. Malik said the drive proved to be very successful in the district because of the participation of people and various field agencies.

He hoped that by adopting the habit of cleanliness, the people could get a healthy environment, which would keep them away from various diseases. He said the drive would ensure maintenance of a proper standard of sanitation and cleanliness by field agencies with proper supervision at ground level. It requires a team effort by the people, educational institutes, officers of various department and safai karamcharis in the future also, he added.