Reiterating his commitment towards improving environment of the state, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced a complete ban on the use of polythene of any form and suggested that the state government was mulling to figure out alternative to these poly bags. This ban already exists in Allahabad, Mathura, Agra and Varanasi.
The decision was taken in a meeting of the state cabinet that met in lucknow on Friday. The ban will be implemented within 30 days of issuing a gazette on the cabinet decision.
“The use of polythene and plastics bags has been banned. The cabinet has also discussed some alternatives so that people do not face problems in carrying goods and commodities,” Yadav told reporters after the cabinet meet. "The High Court had asked the state government to ban polythene and we have complied with that order,” he said.
Yadav said that the decision of the state government will help in protecting the environment of UP. “The decision has been taken keeping in mind the health issue of the people in general,” Chief Minister said.
Nearly a month back, the Allahabad High Court had directed the government to ban the use of polythene across the state by December 31. A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachur and Justice Yashwant Verma had instructed the government to implement the ban in letter and spirit.
A draft proposal to ban polythene was okayed by Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan in his meeting on October 26, which was presented before the state cabinet on Friday. The proposal was prepared after taking feedback from all quarters including the common man on the streets, an official told The Pioneer.
The order specifies that any kind of marketing, import, sale and storage of polythene has been banned. Even shopkeepers including roadside vendors and hawkers would not be allowed to use polythene bags.
Similarly, marketing and sale of plastic (made by poly propylene) bags have also been banned. The plastic will not be used in stationary, invitation cards and magazines. Even the use of plastic covers, sheets, plastic films and plastic tubes have been completely banned.
“This ban however will not be implemented on those food products or items in which plastic is part of packaging. Besides, this will not cover plastic disposable bags used in collecting medical waste,” the spokesman said.
The UP Pollution Control Board would be the implementing authority and would ensure a complete ban of polythene in the state.