KOCHI: Tourists who arrive in the city are struck by the signboards, flex boards and advertisements in every nook and cranny, the majority of which are made of plastic. The plastic hoardings are mushrooming in the city like never before and the damage it would create in the long run is frightening.Chandra Mohan, Registrar, Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), said, “In the past two years, the use of plastic vinyl boards for advertisements has grown, as printing on plastic ads is cheaper and convenient. And since there is no regulation on the types of advertisements that can be displayed, advertising agencies take the liberty of using a lot of plastic.”The dearth of designers who use cloth as a material for hoarding is a reason why plastic advertisements go unchecked. Moreover, plastic is more durable and convenient than cloth.Considering its eco-friendly nature, various NGOs have conducted many campaigns in the city to promote cloth hoardings.Cusat and Rajagiri colleges are striving hard for a plastic-free campus. Concerned over the issue, Cusat is planning to do research to come up with alternatives for plastic. But it is also the responsibility of the public to take the extra step. But sadly this is not the case.Chandra Mohan said, “The problem with such environmental issues is that people only realise its impact when its too late. When it comes to environmental issues, people should be willing to contribute.”On many roads such as Banerjee Road, Lisie Road, Ravipuram Junction, plastic flexes are hung next to Corporation boards that project a plastic-free zone.Also, waste inclusive of plastic is being dumped in areas that specifically say no to waste dumping.
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