Stressing that the use of plastic national flags is detrimental to both the environment as well as national sentiments, she wants such flags to be taken off the shelves immediately.

“It is a known fact that plastic national flags sell like hot cakes during Republic Day. But it is not very environment friendly, since these flags are made of non-biodegradable material. We as a city strongly oppose the use of plastic,and therefore should not use such flags for celebrating a national festival,” says Raul.

 Raul wants the BMC to take strict action against any vendor who sells plastic flags. Since most of these flags are sold by slum children on the road, she also wants massive awareness campaigns to be held for their benefit.

“Shops who sell these bags should be penalized. But slum children are selling these things out of sheer ignorance. So we need to educate them about the ills of plastic and gradually tell them not to sell such goods. Action should also be taken against the customer, who in spite of knowing the ill-effects of plastic continues to buy such flags,” said Raul.

 As an alternative, Raul has suggested the use of flags made of either paper or cloth. “Flags made of paper or cloth is safer. Unlike plastic it does not go into the nullah and choke it. This will definitely be an environment friendly method,” said Raul. “Also using such flags will prevent people from throwing them away indiscriminately. Plastic flags which ultimately go into a nullah are an eye-sore,” added Raul.