Chhattisgarh bans use of plastic bags

Raipur, Jan 1: Chhattisgarh government took a step towards making the state plastic free by banning the use of polythene carry bags from today ownwards.

"The government has decided to declare Chhattisgarh as 'Plastic Carry Bag Free State' from this year. Urban Administration and Development department has issued the notification in this connection," an official statement said today.

No industry in the state will manufacture plastic carry bags. Shopkeepers, retailers, wholesalers, traders, vendors, should not use plastic carry bags.

No individual shall manufacture, store, import, sell or transport plastic carry bag in the state from January 1 onwards, it said. If anybody violates rules in this connection, action will be taken under relevant sections of Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

Both short-term and long-term consequences of plastic use on environment and on human health have been mentioned in the notification, it said.

Besides, other demerits of use of plastic bags like drain and gutter blockages leading to serious environmental problems were also elaborated in the notification.

All officials concerned have been directed to ensure effective implementation of the decision and encourage people and self-help groups to use alternative of plastic bags like paper and jute bags, it added.

PTI