Polythene ban still on paper

Patiala, February 16

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Three years after the Municipal Corporation (MC) banned the use of plastic bags, their use continues unabated. Owners of eateries and street vendors continue to pack food items in these bags. 

The ban notification was issued by the Government on February 18, 2016, and the order came into effect on April 1, 2016.

The civic bodies in the state had resorted to imposing challans on those using polythene bags. “A few challans were issued in the beginning, but after protests and political interference, the drive was discontinued. Now, the elections are round the corner. There is little chance that the ban will be implemented,” said an MC official.

The MC authorities claimed that they had been issuing challans to those using and manufacturing polythene bags. “We will be able to end the menace within two months,” the authorities said. — TNS