People join in for a “plastic free” Hyderabad

Hyderabad, May 2: A majority of the visitors to the Necklace Road and other picnic spots in and around Hussainsagar Lake on Sunday appreciated the “plastic free” campaign launched by the HMDA but said the ban on use of plastic should be extended to the entire city.

Except on the Necklace Road, HMDA officials successfully prevented throwing of plastic material in the lake or on the premises of Lumbini Park, NTR Garden, Sanjeevaiah Park and other eateries.

Most of the visitors said they were aware of the plastic-free zone campaign, and that they would either take back the plastic with them or throw them only in the trash bins installed for the purpose at various points in the lawns.

 Ms M.N. Fathima, a degree final year student, said plastic should be banned in the entire state. “For example, I purchased potato chips from a bakery in Begumpet before coming to Necklace Road. The chips were packed in plastic cover. Most of the packed food snacks are given in plastic covers or sachets. So, the jurisdiction of ban on plastic should be wider, for the environment to improve, leave alone the protection of lake water from being polluted,” she said.

Referring to the item published on Hussainsagar Lake in these columns on Sunday, the HMDA commissioner, Mr B.P. Acharya, said no effluents, and even plastic, will enter the lake once works on diversion of nalas and setting up and improvement of sewerage treatment plants was completed.

“Only localised plastic would pose threat to the lake, which we need to check. That is the reason the plastic-free campaign has been launched in and around the lake. The restoration of lake project covers checking entry of effluents, plastic and other hazardous material into the lake. The project is being executed taking into consideration all aspects,” he added.

“The plastic-free campaign cannot be successful without the cooperation of people,” said the Buddha Purnima Project Authority chief, Mr M.J. Akbar.

Source : DECCAN