UP Govt Bans All Types Of Polythene Bags
18 December, Lucknow
Further enforcing its commitment to improving environment in the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today declared a complete ban on the use of polythene in any form and suggested that the Government was mulling to fine an alternate to these poly bags.
The decision was taken in the Cabinet meet Friday. This ban already exists in religious cities of Allahabad, Mathura, Agra and Varanasi.
“The use of polythene and plastics bags has been banned. The state cabinet has also discussed about some alternatives so that people do not face any problem,” Mr Yadav told reporters here after the meeting. “High Courts had asked the state government to ban polythene and we have complied with that order, he said.
This decision has been taken keeping in mind the health issue of people and for protecting environment, the Chief Minister said.
Almost a month ago, the Allahabad High Court had directed the state government to ban the use of polythene across the state by December 31. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachur and Justice Yashwant Verma has asked the government to implement the ban in letter and spirit.
A draft proposal to ban polythene was okayed by Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan in a meeting on October 26. The same was presented before the state cabinet. This proposal was prepared after taking reaction from all quarters including common man on the street, an official here said.
The ban will be implemented within 30 days of issuing a gazette on this cabinet decision.
The order specifies that any kind of marketing, import, sale and storage of polythene would be 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 including in stationary, invitation cards and magazines. Even use of plastic cover, sheet. Plastic films and plastic tubes have been 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 Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board would be the implementing authority and would ensure complete ban of polythene in the state.