Use of plastic bags to be banned soon in Patna

Patna, Mar 27 (UNI) Taking a cue from several other cities, Patna Civil Authorities have decided to impose a complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags to give the state capital city a cleaner look.

In an appeal to the people today, new Patna District Magistrate Jitendra Kumar cited the example of cleanliness of several other cities in India and abroad, and said non-use of plastic bags will give the city of five millions a clean look.

The step will also be treated as an environment-friendly measure, he opined.

'' It is also the need of the hour, '' he pointed out.

Elaborating his plan, Mr Kumar said the government will formally launch a special drive from next week in association with local school and college students, besides some leading NGOs to prevent random use and dumping of polythene bags.

'' If our appeal fail to evoke the desired result, the authorities will resort to stringent punishment under the environment protection act for any violation, '' Mr Kumar stated.

He said people, particularly school and college students, had already responded to his appeal and started boycotting use of polythene carrybags of less than four microns.

Incidentally, random use of plastic carrybags and dumping of those on roads had created huge problems for the Patna Municipal Corporation with almost the entire drainage system in the city becoming useless and causing waterlogging even after slightest rain.

UNI ABA SJC PDT RK1819