Aurangabad: In the first Diwali after the state-wide plastic ban, it was expected that eco-friendly alternatives would be more popular than the regular plastic lamps. The markets, however, display widespread presence of lanterns that use plastic manufactured in China, much to the dismay of local manufacturers of eco-friendly lamps.A notification issued by the environment department of Maharashtra government banned use of plastic and thermocol for decoration purposes. The use, sale and production of plastic or thermocol lanterns, lamps, wall hangings, torans or any such decorative item, is thus banned. However, all shops, markets and street vendors have lavishly displayed lanterns made of plastic and non-recyclable material. The municipal corporation has been looking the other way, taking no notice of this flagrant violation of the law.Sanveer Chhabda, who manufactures eco-friendly alternatives to bags and decorations, said that the market was clearly dominated by China made plastic lanterns this year. “The people want to buy easily available, glittery and cheaper alternatives. Sellers also get more profit from plastic lanterns. With no relief in taxes or subsidies by government, the manufacturers of eco-friendly products take a hit. It is discouraging, one begins to question even being in this business,” Chhabda said.Meanwhile, Radhika Sharma and Komal Chabra who made and sold lanterns made of cloth this year, said there is huge lack of environment consciousness. “How do we reach out to people without any advertising or promotion? The low profits we make do not allow us to spare any money for promotion. The material that is not eco-friendly is not just cheaper, it comes in more attractive colours,” Sharma said.Activist Jamuna Mandhani, who got herself a jute lantern, feels that the implementing agencies are not doing their job properly. “People continue to use and sell banned plastic items. The municipal corporation is not taking action against this,” Mandhani said. Officials of Aurangabad Municipal Corporation however offered an explanation. Mahaveer Patni, AMC official overseeing the implementation of the plastic ban, said, “Most of the material is made of thicker plastic, which is allowed. Lanterns in the market are made of acrylic material. We are working with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to keep a check.”

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