Kolkata: The bench of justices Debangsu Basak and Shampa Sarkar of Calcutta High Court expressed deep concern over rampant plastic pollution in and around Maidan and in the rest of the city. They requested the civic body to adopt stringent anti-littering measures to keep the Maidan free from plastic pollution.
The bench asked the KMC to “ban the use of plastic bags and bottles and asked the state to explore the possibility of introducing alternatives to the use of plastic bags and plastic bottles.”
While hearing a case filed by green activist Subhas Datta regarding the automobile emissions causing degradation of the Victoria Memorial Hall, the bench expressed concern over unabated plastic pollution.In its order, the bench championed the principle of 4Rs — refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle — to battle plastic pollution in the city.
Only plastic bags of thickness of more than 120 microns are permissible by the national rule. Yet, thinner, single-use plastic bags are openly available and littering of such bags has been ubiquitous.
In a recent development, a comprehensive report was submitted on behalf of various key entities in Kolkata, outlining significant measures aimed at enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure. The report, filed in the form of an affidavit, underscored crucial steps underway to alleviate congestion at the Esplanade Bus Stand. It highlighted renovation and development initiatives at peripheral bus termini, aiming to ease traffic flow as an interim measure. Additionally, plans for the enhancement of the multi-modal transport system in the Esplanade area are detailed, with RITES set to submit its draft final report by May 31, 2024.
Addressing traffic concerns near Victoria Memorial, measures are being adopted to minimise halting times at traffic signals within a 3 km radius, leveraging digital and electronic technologies. Efforts to curb fossil fuel usage within the vicinity are also underway, with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation spearheading the initiative, further urged to include clubs operating in the Maidan area in the drive.
The counsel representing Kolkata Port Trust was called upon to utilise his influence to address parking space issues. The next hearing is slated for June 21, 2024. The collaborative efforts outlined in the report signify a concerted push towards bolstering Kolkata's transportation infrastructure, promising improved efficiency and reduced congestion across key hubs in the city.