Kerala HC bans burning plastic, rubber in public

Though the Kerala High Court on Friday stayed a National Green Tribunal order aimed at reducing carbon emissions by restricting diesel vehicles, it brought cheers on environmentalists by putting curbs on burning plastic and rubber in public places. 

Giving its verdict on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court directed the State Police Chief and Mayors of six corporations in the state to ensure that plastic refuse and rubber are not burnt in public that causing air pollution and contaminating water sources. The Local Self Government bodies should take initiatives to avoid the unhealthy practice, the court ordered. 

All the six municipal corporations in the state should ensure that the order is implemented, a division bench of the HC headed by Thottathil Raveendran and Anu Sivaraman ordered. The state police chief was also directed to initiate punitive measures on violators.

The PIL was submitted by S Seetharaman, general secretary of All Kerala River Protection Council. Though there are rules and norms in place to stop burning plastics, they are not adhered to, he pointed out. 

Burning of plastic refuse produces Dioxins that are harmful to health and environment. 

• Dioxins are highly toxic chemicals that can harm organisms.
• Dioxins are carcinogenic and hormone disruptors 
• They can accumulate in our bodies and are passed on to generations. 
• Dioxins are persistent chemicals that can enter our food circle, contaminate crops and water bodies.   

Health risks of burning plastic:

• Increases the risk of heart disease
•  Aggravates respiratory ailments, Asthma, emphysema
• can cause damages in the nervous system, kidney or liver 

source: www.wecf.eu