Plastic flags go missing

VARANASI: Following the government’s ban on plastic-made national flags the city markets have now turned to paper and cloth flags ahead of Republic Day celebration.
TOI found plastic flags missing from the city markets. Shops and roadside vendors were found selling Tirangas (Tricolour) made of paper and cloth instead of plastic, at local markets on Sunday. “I have cotton, terricot and paper national flags, badges, head bands and stickers.We have stopped selling plastic flags after the ban was imposed on it,” said one of the shopkeepers, Lallu ji Jhandawale who has been putting his stall for over 20 years.
Rajesh Jaiswal, another shopkeeper said, “Plastic flags were in demand as they look attractive and also cost low as Rs 2 to Rs 3. But, since the ban was imposed for our good so we have stopped selling plastic flags. We are selling only flags made of khadi and terricot which range between Rs 10 to Rs 200.”
However, the children have now drifted towards the flags made of paper, he added.
Subodh Kumar, a shop owner at Teliabagh area said, “Though we do not sell plastic flags anymore yet the demand of plastic-made flags has not decreased. The children come and keep asking for plastic ones just because they are attractive and not much expensive.”
Pradeep Gupta, a resident of Chowkaghat area said, “One can still find vendors and a few shopkeepers selling plastic flags as they are not aware of the ban. The authorities should take initiatives to make people aware about the same.”
It is worth to mention here that as per the Flag Code of India, 2002, sale and distribution of tricolours made of any other material barring those permitted under the code is a penal offense. Violating the code breaks two laws - The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. On the other hand, the environmentalists say: Plastic flags are non-biodegradable and can’t be easily disposed off.
Ashok Gogia, owner of a prominent shop at Sigra area said, “This year electric flags, palm bands and plastic hats are also in demand. Plastic hats costs Rs 20 per piece while the electric flags range between Rs 50 and Rs 100,” he added.
Several makeshift shops at prominent crossings have come up selling tricolour caps, key-rings, badges, wristbands, balloons, key chains and wall hangings.