Environment Dept proposes blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and covers in Delhi

22-Sep-11

Delhi government’s ban on the use, sale and storage of plastic bags in 2009 shows signs of failure two years on, mainly due to the shoddy implementation. This has prompted the environment department to propose a blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and covers, including manufacture and import of plastic bags into the city. The draft notification with amendments to the prohibition of manufacture, sale, storage and use of plastic bags has been issued by the department and the public has been given 60 days to respond to the amendments. The draft notification states that other than a ban on use, storage and sale of plastic bags , "no person shall manufacture , store, import , sell or transport any kinds of plastic carry bags (including that of polypropylene, non-woven fabric type carry bags) in the whole of National Capital Territory of Delhi except for export purposes, against an order for export.” Use of plastic covers and pouches to pack magazines , invitation cards or greeting cards is also prohibited . The note makes an exception against containers used for packing food material, milk and raising plants in nurseries. Officials who will be authorized to implement the ban will include member secretary, DPCC, officers at the level of assistant environmental engineer and above, director (environment ), Delhi government, officers at the level of scientist and above, SDMs, assistant sanitary inspectors, health inspectors, general licensing inspectors of local bodies, including public health inspectors of MCD, food and supply officers, director of health services or medical officers nominated by him, labour inspectors of the labour department and food inspectors of prevention of food adulteration units.