Plastic wholesale market under scanner

Stepping up its drive against use of hazardous plastic bags in the capital, Delhi government has asked the enforcing agencies to crack down on the owners of the shops selling the items within the market areas, including those in the walled city.

Stepping up its drive against use of hazardous plastic bags in the capital, Delhi government has asked the enforcing agencies to crack down on the owners of the shops selling the items within the market areas, including those in the walled city.

The officials have been asked to carry out intensive enforcement drive at the wholesale markets of plain plastic bags at Sadar Bazaar, Kharibowli and Khurshid Market.

"So far, the drive had been focussed on prosecuting the consumers of the plastic bags. But for effective implementation of the law there is a need to curb the source. Hence, now we have asked the enforcing agencies to keep an eye on the shops selling plastic bags in the market areas," a senior official said.

At a meeting held recently, Delhi Environment Secretary Dharmendra also stressed that the local bodies like MCD, NDMC, and the Sub Divisional Magistrates should implement the ban vigorously in their area.

Pulling up the agencies for poor implementation, the Secretary also categorically told them that the sale, storage and use of all kinds of plastic bags are prohibited in the notified places. "This is irrespective of the size labelled as more than 40 microns or even if it is bio-degradable," a senior official said.