Ban on plastic bags in urban areas of Punjab from April 1

Chandigarh

The use of plastic bags in urban areas of Punjab will be banned from April 1.

As per a notification issued in this regard, by the state government, production, distribution, purchase, selling and recycling of plastic bags in all the Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats has been banned, an official spokesperson said today.

The decision would prove to be a landmark in making ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a resounding success, he said.

The ban would be strictly enforced on materials manufactured from thermocol for one-time use, but with the exemption of packing material, the spokesperson said.

Under section 7 of Punjab Plastic Carry Bag Act, non-bio degradable plastic carry bags or containers, including items made from thermocol, are banned.

The Commissioners in Municipal Corporations and Executive Officers (EOs) in Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats have been nominated for the purpose of lodging complaints regarding violation of orders, the spokesperson said.

PTI