SDMC starts 'Vikalp' initiative against single-use plastic

SDMC'S South Zone, in collaboration with Why Waste Wednesday Foundation NGO, has started a programme named 'Vikalp' against the Single-Use Plastic (SUP). In view of Swachh Survekshan 2022, Vikalp stalls are being set up in various markets coming under the jurisdiction of the SDMC. Why Waste Foundation has made arrangements of cloth bags at these stalls. These stalls are aimed at providing cloth bag alternatives to the customers.

The customers who do not bring cloth bags can take cloth bags from the WHY Waste Foundation stall by depositing 20 rupees. The customer can return the bag at Vikalp Stall after using it and get a refund of the money. There is no time limit to return these bags and a person can return the bag at any of the Vikalp Stall. Why Waste Foundation will ensure cleanliness and sanitization of the returned bag and will bring it for reuse.

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22 Vikalp Stalls have been set up at 14 markets of South Delhi. These stalls have been set up in Green Park, Yusuf Sarai, Hauz Khas, SDA, Saket, Aurobindo Market, Greater Kailash, and Chitranjan Park Market among others.

Deputy Commissioner of South Zone Dr. Ankita Chakravarty said that a sticker would be pasted on the shops where Vikalp stalls are being set up so that the customers could identify the stall. The sticker has a QR code through which the customer can get information about the Vikalp Stall. In the future, people will know about the bad effects of Single-Use Plastic and the law related to this. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ankita Chakravarty appealed to shopkeepers to make people aware of Single-Use Plastic and its effects.

With the facility of cloth bags in the market, people will develop a habit of using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. She said that people will be made aware through Nukkad Nataks and other awareness campaigns. SDMC employees have been participating in this programme and several institutions have also supported the move.