The disposable thermocol cups and plates used commonly in social gatherings and parties would soon be a thing of past in Punjab. In an attempt to give boost to the ‘Swachchh Bharat Mission’ Punjab Government has banned the use of polythene bags as well as the use of thermocol products used for catering purposes.
The notification in this regard has been approved by Punjab local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi. The ban on manufacture, distribution, stocking, recycling, selling or using carry bags made of plastic in the State would come in to effect from April 1, 2016.
It has been decided that the use of polythene carry bags would be completely banned but on thermocol products, the ban would be enforced mainly on the disposable catering items like disposable glasses and plates commonly used in outdoor parties. The ban would not be imposed on the packaging materials of Thermocol.
Minister local Government Anil Joshi said that the decision would prove to be of landmark value in making ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a resounding success. Replying on the issue of enforcing ban on the disposable catering products made of Thermocol, Joshi said that Thermocol and Polythene bags have become equal troublemakers for the civic authorities and these products have proved to be a big hindrance in the success of Swachchha Bharat Mission.
Joshi said that while the Polythene bags have been causing environment issues, the disposable Thermocol catering products pose bigger challenge for civic authorities being a non-recyclable product. He said while polythene bags are gathered by the rag pickers for recycling, the disposable catering products of Thermocol are of no use even for them and they keep creating mess in cities after disposal.
It is important to mention that under section 7 of Punjab Plastic carry Bag Act, non-bio degradable plastic carry bags or containers, with the inclusion of items made from Thermocol, are already under ban.
Joshi said that Commissioners in Municipal Corporations and Executive Officers (E.O) in Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats have been nominated for the purpose of lodging complaints regarding violation of these orders. Besides this, 3 Chief Engineers have been assigned the duty of conducting surprise checks in all the districts. Under section 18 of the Act, Divisional Commissioners and Regional Deputy Directors of department have been nominated as appellate authorities.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) had taken a tough stand against Punjab for not putting a ban on the use of plastic carry bags. NGT had ordered Punjab and Haryana to put a complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags in a phased manner.
The neighboring Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and UT Chandigarh had banned the use of Plastic carry bags years back. Though in Haryana the ban has not been enforced in true spirit but in the Union Territory Chandigarh, the authorities have been able to check the use of plastic bags considerably after getting a nod from the NGT for imposing a fine of Rs 5000 for the use of plastic carry bags.