Forest dept seeks to replace plastic bags used in nurseries
NEWDELHI: The forest department of Delhi is looking at alternatives to do away with plastic bags that are presently used to raise saplings in its nurseries.
The objective is to raise a new batch of plastic-free saplings by the 2019 monsoon, when the annual plantation season kicks in. This could help the department do away with at least 1.5 lakh polythene bags.
“We are looking at alternatives to do away plastic bags. The idea is to raise saplings without using polythene bags for the next plantation season in 2019,” Nisheeth Saxena, conservator of forest, said.
The forest department has 14 nurseries, where around 2.5 lakh saplings are raised every year to be planted across Delhi. At least 1.5 lakh saplings are raised in polythene bags while the rest are raised in gunny bags.
The move came after the Union environment and forest ministry asked the forest departments of all states to start looking at alternatives for polythene bags.
This is being seen as a part of the central government’s drive to make the country free of single-use plastic by 2022. Senior forest officials said even though only forest departments have been asked to stop the use of polythene bags, municipal bodies and other government agencies could also be asked to do so
Not using plastic bags for raising saplings seems to be a great idea. But we have to see the availability and durability of other types of bags.
PADMAVATI DWIVEDI, green activist
very soon.
Experts have welcomed the move saying it would help do away with millions of polythene pouches. HT had earlier pointed out how polythene pouches are littered at plantation sites and some saplings are even planted along with the bags. This not just harms the soil but also kills the plant.
“Not using plastic bags for raising saplings seems to be a great idea. But we have to see the availability and durability of other types of bags,” Padmavati Dwivedi, a green activist, said.
In 2010, the Delhi forest department had procured some biodegradable bags from a pri- vate company. They were, however, not found to be durable. “We are trying out all options. We would also consult experts, if necessary,” a forest official said.
“Jute bags are expensive and less durable. They need to be changed every two years. Also, a five kilo jute bag would be able to hold a sapling up to a maximum height of five feet. Beyond that, the roots would come out. So when a plant is being transplanted from a nursery, the roots could get damaged,” Faiyaz Khudsar, scientist-incharge of Yamuna Biodiversity Park, said.