NGT’s ban on polythene strictly implemented

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 6

In the wake of stern directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning the use and sale of polythene at the Brahamkund and Har-ki-Pauri, the district administration has strictly implemented the decision.

Additional District Magistrate Jeevan Singh Nangiyal said as per the directives of the NGT, the district administration had written to the trading community, teerth purohits, hotels, dharamshalas, rest houses, guest houses and lodges and was appealing to the common people, pilgrims and tourists through various media to cooperate.

He said only legal action could not ensure success of the drive as without public support, prohibition on use of polythene bags and other materials could not be achieved.

The district administration has now formed several teams, comprising officials of the district administration, Municipal Corporation and police, to monitor and ensure strict implementation of the NGT directives in and around Har-Ki-Pauri.

“Directives have also been issued to Kanwar fair zonal and sector magistrates in this regard.

The officials will ensure prohibition of use of polythene material during the Kanwar fair and that garbage, filth and other waste is not spread or left at the core mela zone.

A message needs to be given out to Kanwariyas too so that they also know that ferrying or using polythene is prohibited in the mela zone and in Haridwar,” said Nangiyal.

Chief Town Officer, Municipal Corporation, Vipra Trivedi said the civic body had started the anti-polythene drive and she was herself inspecting shops in the city and levying penalty on the offenders.

Mahanagar Vyapar Mandal traders’ representative Sanjeev Chaudhari said they fully suppored the NGT move and would cooperate with the administration in ensuring that Haridwar becomes polythene free.

He sought a special concession on jute, cloth and paper bags as well as local availability of these so that traders and consumers did not have to pay high prices to procure these eco-friendly bags.