Despite ban, plastic bags remain norm at Panchkula markets

Even as authorities mark World Environment Day with calls to curb pollution and reduce plastic waste, the ground reality paints a contrasting picture. At the Sector-5 Mandi today vegetable vendors and customers were openly using plastic carry bags, in clear violation of the ban on single-use plastics.

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Despite a complete ban imposed on July 1 2020 on 19 single-use plastic items, including polythene bags, the material remains deeply embedded in daily market transactions.

When questioned, many vendors cited practical challenges in adhering to the ban. “Cloth or paper bags are too expensive. Customers don’t want to pay extra or bring their own bags,” said Rajesh, a vegetable seller. Another vendor added, “We’ve not seen regular checks by officials lately, so people have gone back to using them.”

Buyers, too, expressed mixed opinions. Sunita, a local resident, admitted to carrying plastic bags out of habit. However, a few environmentally conscious shoppers carried cloth bags and urged others to do the same. “Bans only work if people cooperate, and enforcement is visible,” remarked Anil Mehra, a shopper from Sector 7.

SK Nayar, President of the Citizens’ Welfare Association, meanwhile, criticised the lack of enforcement, saying, “Around 21 officers were deputed to check and challan violators, but none have performed their duties seriously.”

A strong message

Municipal Commissioner Aparajita pariticipated in a special event with deaf and mute children at the Polytechnic College, Sector 26 in collaboration with Munish, founder of the Asmaan Foundation NGO. A tree plantation drive was carried out at the college premises while students Arsh, Anaya, and Tanvi delivered speeches in sign language, urging everyone to embrace eco-friendly habits such as reducing plastic usage, avoiding littering and minimising e-waste.