The KR Market, Bengaluru’s largest marketplace and the biggest user of plastic, is set to ban all kinds of plastic from April 2 onwards. The traders have joined hands with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to fully curtail the use of 1,000 kg of plastic every day.
Mayor B N Manjunatha Reddy welcomed the initiative, saying it will help reduce Bengaluru’s garbage problem by 20-25%. “A large number of people buy groceries at this market. We will give all support to traders in enforcing the ban,” he said.
The traders decided to go for alternatives following the government notification against plastic use last month and after several wards banned the item themselves. The market has shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. The flower market, said to be one of the largest in Asia, generates 500 kg of plastic every day. The vegetable market comes next in plastic use. If the ban is effectively enforced, the market’s garbage problems will be reduced to a great extent.
The traders have met BBMP officials for their support to the ban. Most of the traders are ready to abide by the ban. Those who do not fall in line will be fined starting April 3.
The association will put up banners and distribute pamphlets warning traders against using plastic. Flower traders said the ban would help them save on the monthly plastic bill. Most traders use low-quality plastics below 40 microns.
