Plastic ban: govt wields carrot-stick approach

Nearly a week after a blanket ban on plastic carry bags officially came into force, the Delhi government has started warning violators.

Nearly a week after a blanket ban on plastic carry bags officially came into force, the Delhi government has started warning violators.

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A total of 23 teams of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the environment department on Saturday visited 44 shopping malls and 19 five-star hotels across the Capital.

"A total of 468 shops in malls and 46 shops in hotels were covered in the drive. Nearly 152 were found violating the norms. All have been cautioned," said Sandeep Mishra, member secretary, DPCC.

Environment director Anil Kumar said, "The drive was conducted to make sure nobody complains about not having been cautioned in advance. The next time, we will take action in case of any violation. The team also visited the commercial towers at Netaji Subhash Place and cautioned all violators."

The state cabinet had approved the ban order on September 11 and the government notified it on October 23, saying it will come into force from November 23.

"Our focus is on awareness. The CM's message is being aired on FM channels. Posters have been printed. Traders have been told to put up hoardings, saying they don't use plastic bags," said an official.