Mysuru: Mysore city corporation which has cleared 80 Garbage vulnerable points, is now all set for another mission to make the core Mysuru city area flex free by Dasara.MCC Commissioner M K Savitha said, “We have not all…

Mysuru: Mysore city corporation which has cleared 80 Garbage vulnerable points, is now all set for another mission to make the core Mysuru city area flex free by Dasara.MCC Commissioner M K Savitha said, “We have not allowed flexes during PM Narendra Modi’s visit. In order to maintain the heritage nature and charm of the cultural capital of the State-Mysuru, we are coming up with an order soon to restrict flexes in the core city area. We will allow short period advertisements only in designated places outside the core city area. In order to prevent the impact of PVC flexes on the environment, and also to encourage Khadi weavers, we will permit those advertisers to use only Khadi clothes for banners and allow them to use only organic dyes. We will initiate strict action against violators as per the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, and Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964.”A staff of MCC shared, “Except for designated points, the flexes in all other places are illegal. It has been a huge challenge to clear flexes, as those who install demand the cost of flexes from workers. They bring pressure from influential people.”Ahead of Mysuru Dasara, green warriors launch campaign to prevent usage of trees for IlluminationA representation signed by members of Mysore Grahakara Parishat, Sudhir Vombatkere, Bhamy V Shenoy, Roy Joseph and Ravi Bale has been given to MCC Commissioner M K Savitha. MCC collects and disposes of 300 kg of flex waste per day. Ravi Bale said, “How can things work if the lawmakers themselves fail to follow the rules? The Chief Minister along with several Members of Parliament have repeatedly stated that flexes are not needed. Now, not everyone, but a few local elected leaders still use them. If they voluntarily stop proliferation of PVC flexes of different sizes and colours at public places, local people, including youth in Mysuru and elsewhere celebrating birthdays, displaying admiration for local leaders, favorite sars will also follow tasteful alternatives. It is possible to reach people’s hearts through genuine public welfare and social work. They can engage in cleaning the land and water sources around them and planting greenery. People should become environmentally conscious and can use social media for it. MCC officials and workers should be allowed to perform their duties without fear or threats.”MGP founding working president Bhamy V Shenoy said that they will launch protests and even file PIL to curb increasing flex menace in Mysuru. M S Vijaya Kumar, associate professor, Polymer Science and Technology and Chemistry, JSS Science and Technology University, explained, “The flexes are made out of composite materials comprising PVC, stabilisers, plasticizers, additives, and polyester fabrics. They contain some carcinogenic dyes. When exposed to weather, the dyes wash off into the soil and water. When burnt, the flexes release highly toxic gas and dioxins. This will contaminate air first, then soil and water. PVC may take over 100 years to degrade naturally, after breaking into microplastics. These particles carry toxins into soil and water systems and particulate into air. Plasticisers slowly migrate out of the plastic matrix and leach into soil and groundwater. Additives contain heavy-metal compounds and will contribute to soil and aquatic pollution”.Physician Dr Sanjeev Rao Girimaji said, “Recurrent exposure to toxic substances like dioxins released by PVC flexes over long-term can lead to several health issues like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and cancer. Also, an improperly disposed toxin bleached into the soil and water, can cause indirect exposure through crops and livestock. Microplastics can enter the body through them, resulting in increased risk of cancer and hormonal disruptions”.

Source: Deccan Herald