Lesser plastic waste this election

If political parties adhere to the directives of ECI, this year India can have eco-friendly Lok Sabha elections

Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked political parties to avoid the use of plastic during the course of election campaigning. The moral code of conduct from ECI says the political parties should try to avoid the use of plastic/polythene in the making of posters, banners, etc. If political parties adhere to the directives of ECI, this year India can have eco-friendly Lok Sabha elections.

Even after the order, the market is flooded with a host of plastic made election campaigning material. The range includes, flags, banners, posters, streamers and so on.

Retired chief environment engineer with UP Pollution Control Board KK Sharma appreciated the EC move but said, "As of now, success of the stand depends on the will of the political parties. Lets hope the stand acts as a deterrent against the non-biodegradable monster-plastic."

Several political parties welcomed the step. The Congress high-command for instance, has directed its members to follow the instruction in letter and spirit. "In wake of the same, we have already placed order for glazed paper flags, buntings and streamers," UP Congress chief, Rita Bahuguna Joshi told TOI over phone.

The move would mean more expenditure on campaigning material as plastic come at much cheaper rates.

The move would mean more expenditure on campaigning material as plastic come at much cheaper rates. Rajesh Kumar who claims to supply election material to ten states said, "the input cost in the material had increased. The effect was obvious on the sale price."

He also took the chance to display a host of paper and cloth-made election material. Kumar has come up with unique replacements. For example: for his Bahujan Samaj Party buyers, suppliers are offering bangles in BSP blue. Those from Samajwadi Party and the Congress have the option of buying paper-made tea-coffee mugs. Women Congress workers may also get tri-colour hairbands and wristbands. Then there are caps and badges for all parties. Flags made of satin cloth are the latest addition in the segment.

Source: Times of India