HARIDWAR: Plastic products and cans are being sold openly in the Har-ki-Pauri area and local markets. Polythene is also being used without restriction, contributing significantly to pollution. Despite the municipal corporation’s claims of periodic action, the ground reality is quite different.
Locals allege that influential businessmen in Haridwar are behind the production of these plastic products, due to which authorities are not taking stringent measures.
As the Char Dham yatra brings a surge of pilgrims to Haridwar, many buy plastic cans and other plastic products like polythene and plastic sheets at the riverbanks of Har-ki-Pauri. This is a major source of pollution in the Ganga river.
A 56-year-old pilgrim from Agra, UP, Avdhesh Kumar, told TOI, “We are aware that plastic cans are harmful to the river and environment, but there are no alternatives. Plastic cans are cheaper and easily available, hence most pilgrims purchase them to carry Gangajal.”
Locals too are wary of the use of plastic products. Vicky Kumar, a resident of Haridwar, said, “The district administration has failed to stop the use of plastic cans. These products are manufactured within the city, but no stern action has been taken against the producers.”
In response, Haridwar’s municipal commissioner, Varun Chaudhary, said plastic cans are being seized, penalties are being imposed and both pilgrims and locals are being urged not to use plastic cans.
Locals allege that influential businessmen in Haridwar are behind the production of these plastic products, due to which authorities are not taking stringent measures.
As the Char Dham yatra brings a surge of pilgrims to Haridwar, many buy plastic cans and other plastic products like polythene and plastic sheets at the riverbanks of Har-ki-Pauri. This is a major source of pollution in the Ganga river.
A 56-year-old pilgrim from Agra, UP, Avdhesh Kumar, told TOI, “We are aware that plastic cans are harmful to the river and environment, but there are no alternatives. Plastic cans are cheaper and easily available, hence most pilgrims purchase them to carry Gangajal.”
Locals too are wary of the use of plastic products. Vicky Kumar, a resident of Haridwar, said, “The district administration has failed to stop the use of plastic cans. These products are manufactured within the city, but no stern action has been taken against the producers.”
In response, Haridwar’s municipal commissioner, Varun Chaudhary, said plastic cans are being seized, penalties are being imposed and both pilgrims and locals are being urged not to use plastic cans.
