Disposal of sun films a challenging task?

BANGALORE: Following a Supreme Court directive, the Bangalore City Traffic Police recently launched a drive to remove sun films from cars for free at ten places across the city. The task is proving Herculean as the deadline of May 19 is nearing. However, the move has  received a tremendous response from the public.  Sources said that the police collected films on the first day of the drive and took them to the police station. Subsequently, the films were given back to the car owners and they were asked to dispose them of. However, this is dangerous according to the Pollution Control Board officials who are more in favour of the police collecting the sun films and handing them over to proper agents for disposal. Speaking to Express, Chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) A S Sadashivaiah, said, “We have already issued instructions relating to the safe collection and disposal of films to the traffic police. If films get mixed with other waste, they cannot be recycled.” In his opinion, sun films must be collected by the traffic police themselves and not given back to the citizens for disposal. “There are 4 to 5 authorised agents in the city who will collect the films and dispose them of in safe conditions outside the city, thus not causing pollution. If burnt normally, they will  release carcinogens,” he added. While Sadashivaiah hinted at cases being booked against violators under the Environment Protection Act, the sun films, removed by traffic  police were found lying in small mounds, dumped onto the road. This is specially evident at the film removal stand near BRV Parade Grounds. Police officials were not available for comments.