KOLKATA, 25 SEPT: Disparities and confusion between municipal corporations in the state over recycling and waste management is preventing widespread progress in tackling pollution, some claimed at a meeting held at the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) today. The WBPCB called a meeting on environmental issues in municipalities in the lead up to Durga Puja, at which several speakers raised the issue of the lack of a cohesive vision when it comes to environmental issues. The director general of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)'s project management unit, Mr Debasish Kar, said: “There was not much awareness about environmental issues until two years ago.” While the KMC has launched several environmental initiatives, such as banning the use of below 40 micron plastics in markets, Mr Kar said, “We cannot catch all manufacturers. It is up to the authorities and consumers to stop using plastics.” As for pollution caused by immersing idols, Mr Kar said that the KMC has launched a ‘safe Puja' competition to encourage people to keep the city clean and safe during the festive season. The KMC has spent Rs 30 lakh on a contract for cleaning the ghats after the immersion of idols, said Mr Kar. "We are spending a lot of money, but the most important thing is public awareness.” However, there seemed to be a lack of awareness among those assembled for the meeting. A representative from the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) was heckled by attendees as he spoke on pollution mitigation strategies, as several people spoke up against disorganisation within the HMC. A representative from an environmental group in Hooghly said that anti-pollution measures are often put in the hands of NGOs, and that municipalities need to take more responsibility. Mr Kar said that while anti-pollution measures are the responsibility of authorities, “the KMC is not so powerful when it comes to getting all these things done.” He said that there should be more co-ordination between police and municipal authorities with regard to preventing pollution. sns