Make LS polls eco-friendly: ECI
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18 2019:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked all political parties to make election campaigns and other related activities eco-friendly.
Following an application submitted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to prohibit use of materials which are harmful to the environment such as single-use plastics, ECI Secretary NT Bhutia issued a notification to all political parties directing them not to use materials which are harmful to environment during the election campaigns.
Single-use plastics are widely used during election campaigns but these plastic materials are left scattered at all public places after election.
Then they find their ways to drains, canals and rivers.
These non-degradable plastics even caused death of cattle, horses etc when they are consumed by these animals.
Moreover, they cause soil pollution as well as water pollution.
PVC is one common type of plastic used for making banners, hoardings etc for election.
But these materials emit smokes which are harmful to heath when they are burnt.
Highlighting all these problems, the ECI has directed all political parties to use only biodegradable materials like natural fabrics, recycled paper etc.
The ECI's directive also mentioned that local bodies would be authorised to charge money from polluters under the 'polluters pay' principle.
Local bodies may also invoke Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and other relevant rules to take up necessary action in case waste materials are not properly disposed by political parties/candidates.
Notably, the 17th Lok Sabha election would be held in seven phases on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19.There are 543 Lok Sabha seats spread across the country.