Ban on use of polybags goes up in smoke

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 27 

Over three years after ban on the use of polythene bags, its rampant use continues across the city. Heavy rain earlier this week, which led to flood-like situation, has much to blame polythene bags, which choked sewer lines and drains in many parts in the city. 

The administration had issued instructions to ensure strict implementation of the ban orders, but people could be seen carrying utilities and grocery in plastic bags.

Officials of the Municipal Corporation (MC) said despite draining facilities in many parts of the city flood-like situation was witnessed as polythene bags choked sewer lines. 

“We just took out polythene and water drained within a few hours,” said an MC official. 

Three years after the ban on the use of plastic bags was notified to all Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils in the state in February 2016, there is no check on their use in the city. 

Worse, local restaurants and dhabas pack hot food items in polythene bags, which cause more harm to human health.

Residents can be seen carrying utilities and things of daily needs in plastic bags. 

The notification passed by the Department of Local Government on February 18 states: “In exercise of the powers conferred under Subsection (2) of Section 7 of the Punjab Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture, Usage and Disposal) Control Act, 2005, and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to completely prohibit to manufacture, stock, distribute, recycle, sell or use of plastic carry bags in the jurisdiction of all Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats in Punjab with effect from April 1, 2016.”

The use, manufacturing, recycling, stocking and sale of polythene bags is strictly prohibited by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Last year in April, the state government notified the NGT orders to all civic bodies across Punjab.

“We are regularly taking action against defaulters. We will enforce the polythene ban strictly,” said Sanjeev Sharma Bittu, Mayor Municipal Corporation, Patiala.