District administration has started preparations to implement a complete ban on use of substandard polythene carry bags from January 1, 2015 in accordance with the directions received from the State Government.
With a view to spread general awareness in this regard among local entrepreneurs and to seek their support to make the campaign a success, Collector Ashok Agrawal held a meeting with them. The collector informed the gathering that plastic bags below prescribed thickness is hazardous for environment and it also chokes drainage lines and thus the Government has decided to ban it.
The entrepreneurs were informed about penalties and other punishments for using/distributing/stocking/purchasing/selling/transporting the banned polythene bags from the very first day of the new year. During a discussion on alternatives of plastic carry bags, the idea of assigning Self Help Groups (SHGs) the work of making alternate products was considered.
The district woman and child development officer was directions in this regard. It was informed that a four-member committee comprising the Collector, the Municipal Commissioner, district commercial tax officer and an official from the environment board will monitor ban on substandard polythene carry bags.
The Municipal Commissioner read out provisions included in the gazette issued by the State Government in this regard. District commercial tax officer, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, and a number of local entrepreneurs marked their presence in the meeting.