MUKTSAR WRITER, DOC WORK TO CURB PLASTIC MENACE

Punjabi writer and teacher Harpinder Rana and her doctor friend Seema Goyal have taken an initiative to curb the plastic menace by making people aware about the hazards of using polythene bags in Muktsar city.

Harpinder, who is disabled, and Seema visit the local vegetable market on a tricycle every Saturday and distribute paper bags at ₹5 each. They have also put up some posters in the market warning people about the harmful effects of using polythene.

“A large number of residents use polythene for carrying vegetables so we thought it is the right place to make people aware of harmful effects of plastic as it is non-biodegradable,” Dr Goyal said.

Harpinder, who has written several novels, said, “The paper bag costs us ₹15-20 but we are giving it to people for ₹5 only. We are trying to create an awareness among the masses to adopt this green mode of carrying their household necessities.” “We are getting a good response from the public,” she added.

Deputy commissioner Sumeet Jarangal said, “It is a very good initiative. We are also trying to make people aware about the hazards of plastic. I assure them support from the district administration in this initiative to save the environment.”

Notably, Muktsar figured in the polluted cities in the Swachh Survekshan 2017 with a ranking 428 among 434 cities.