Commuters, locals throwing plastic bags a common sight at Doraha Bridge Lovleen Bains Doraha, September 16 No written warnings or cleanliness drives will last long if the speed with which the plastic bags are being dumped into the Sirhind Canal fails to slacken. There is slight check over the plastic wastes, especially plastic bags, being dumped into the Sirhind Canal. Commuters and locals dumping plastic bags filled with all sorts of material is a common sight at Doraha Bridge and beyond. Food wrappers, plastic and styrofoam cups, bottles, cans etc. are discarded in the form of litter in the canal. In the name of religion, offerings to the river gods, too, are increasing. As the offerings are generally wrapped in plastic bags, these too become a part of the river. In addition to plastic bags, bags of ashes and flowers and in some cases even coins are thrown into the water as an offering. “On the one hand use of plastic is strictly banned and its use is devastating for the common man whole on the other hand its indiscriminate usage without any fear or fret is shameful for the public, which seems to be digging its own grave, not bothered about its future repercussions,” said an environmentalist. “Does the cleaning of the canal hold any good, when litter and filth are going to stare us in our very face in no time? If environmental degradation goes on at such a rapid pace, what will become of our future generations? Without adopting stringent measures, this grave problem will continue to pose a big challenge for all times,” said Jandeep Kaushal, while observing people dumping litter into the canal. “In any case, the town must be made free of plastic waste by adhering strictly to the government’s decision. It is high time we make use of degradable plastic by replacing the non-degradable one. The police and the Municipal Corporation staff must keep a strict check. Moreover, as it is for the betterment of present as well as future generations, it is the duty of each and every resident to come forward and realise that plastic is ruining our lives. It is high time each and everyone realises that plastic has to be eradicated once and for all. They should forward and spread this message among the general public as well,” said Bant Singh Daburjee, president of Doraha Municipal Council.

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