Hyderabad: The Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA) have established a Bartan Bank to discourage the use of single-use plastic. These banks, run by self-help groups, will provide utensils on nominal rents. It is planned to have one bank in all district headquarters.
The Bartan Bank was inaugurated by CDMA Pamela Satpathy in the office premises. This bank will provide stainless steel utensils like plates, glasses, bowls, and spoons to replace disposable plastics at public functions and social and religious events.
The Pattana Pragathi and Telangana New Municipalities Act, 2019 emphasize the reduction of plastic usage and banning single-use plastic. As part of this initiative, Bartan Banks will be set up in all 32 district headquarters municipalities in coordination with self-help groups and community-based organizations. The average cost for establishing a bank is Rs 1.75 lakh, and it can cater to events with 500-750 members. The CDMA requests everyone to discourage the use of single-use plastic.
