Ban on use of articles made from plastic, thermocol

Tribune News Service

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Dehradun, February 1

The Department of Urban Development, while complying with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, has banned the use of articles made from plastic and thermocol in the state with effect from today.

Those found violating the orders will be fined Rs 5,000. The department will collect the fine as environment fee. A fine will also be imposed on those who will discharge waste into the Ganga or its tributaries.

Department officials are, however, sceptical of the successful implementation of the ban. The government will take up the issue at the NGT meeting scheduled for February 17.

“We will put before the NGT problems being faced in implementing the orders. Since Ardh Kumbh, which is thronged by devotees from across the world, is underway in Haridwar, it is difficult to keep a check on the use of plastic during such congregations. We will seek more time for the implementation of the orders,” said DS Garbyal, Secretary, Department of Urban Development.

Meanwhile, officials of the local bodies have been asked to launch an information dissemination drive for educating people about the ban and to segregate the waste properly.

They have been asked to keep a check on the proper segregation of waste (biomedicial, organic and radioactive) and ensure that the debris is not dumped in the Ganga. Defecation in the open has also been banned.