Jaipur Intensifies Plastic Ban Efforts Ahead of Swachh Survekshan 2025
The Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign as part of its preparations for Swachh Survekshan 2025, aiming to improve the city's cleanliness ranking. This initiative comes after over a month of ward-wise and market-wise drives targeting the reduction of single-use plastic across the Pink City.
Persistent Plastic Usage Despite Enforcement
Despite repeated campaigns and the imposition of fines, plastic carry bags continue to be widely used in Jaipur's markets. Many shopkeepers have expressed concerns about the lack of affordable alternatives, which makes it challenging for small traders to transition to more expensive options like paper, cloth, or biodegradable bags.
Sadiq Ali, a bangle trader in Chandpole, highlighted the economic dilemma faced by traders. "Plastic bags are inexpensive and easily available. Civic teams take action and impose fines, but if we start using expensive bags only to hand over goods, how do we recover the cost?" he questioned, reflecting the practical difficulties in implementing the ban.
Challenges Faced by Local Traders
Another trader, Devidas Thawani, a grocery shop owner, shared his experience with alternative bags. "When we started giving cloth bags and charged for them, customers reduced. We are left with little choice but to use plastic," he said, underscoring the impact on business and customer behavior.
These testimonials reveal a significant gap in the enforcement strategy, where the focus on penalties has not been matched with accessible solutions for the trading community.
JMC's Collaborative Approach
In response to these challenges, Pradeep Mishra, assistant engineer with JMC's health department, emphasized that the current campaign prioritizes awareness over mere enforcement. "The focus of the campaign is on awareness, and market associations and NGOs are also involved this time. People are being encouraged to spread awareness about the need to stop using single-use plastic," he explained.
This collaborative approach aims to foster a more sustainable shift away from plastic by engaging various stakeholders, including local communities and non-governmental organizations.
Looking Ahead to Swachh Survekshan 2025
As Jaipur gears up for Swachh Survekshan 2025, the success of this plastic ban drive will be crucial in determining the city's ranking. The JMC's efforts highlight the ongoing struggle to balance environmental goals with economic realities, making it a key issue for urban governance in India.
The campaign's outcome will depend on how effectively the authorities address the concerns of traders while promoting eco-friendly practices among residents.
