E-Paper
In Amritsar, ban on polythene bags goes for a toss
Despite orders, the district administration has failed to implement the ban on polythene bags as people can be seen openly using these bags in all parts of the city.
Despite orders, the district administration has failed to implement the ban on polythene bags as people can be seen openly using these bags in all parts of the city.
As part of the Swachh Bharat Campaign, the state government had imposed a ban on the use of polythene bags on April 1, 2016 as well on the disposable thermocol material in the state. The ban also applies to one-time use material manufactured from thermocol with the exemption of packing material.
Under Section 7 of the Punjab Plastic Carry Bag Act, non-biodegradable plastic carry bags or containers with the inclusion of items made from thermocol are banned.
A visit across the city reveals use of bags at all public places including shopping malls. The use is not only rampant among vegetable vendors and grocery shop owners, but even high-end stores have failed to come out with an alternative.
At the Heritage Street leading to the Golden Temple, people said they unaware of the ban and had no alternative to the polybags. Raj Kaur, a tourist, said, “I was not aware that they are banned. Also, when everybody is giving and taking these openly, where does the ban apply?”
The work to ensure effective ban on plastic bags had been assured to municipal authorities in the order, but authorities did not take calls.
