Strict ban on polythene in Punjab from May 1

The Punjab government has decided to strictly implement ‘The Punjab Plastic Bags (Manufacture, Usage and Disposal) Control Act’, prohibiting the manufacture, disposal and usage of polythene bags from virgin plastic of thickness not less than 30 micron and size not less than 8x12 inches and of a colour other than the specified one.

According to an official spokesperson, the council of ministers in a recent meeting had felt that after imposition of ban on polythene in New Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, there had been a substantial improvement in the environment. The council felt Punjab should also strictly implement the ban from May 1, in the larger public interest.

All deputy commissioners and local bodies have been asked to implement this act strictly. Instructions have also been issued to all Panchayats and Zila Parishads for its implementation.

According to the Act, no person would manufacture or carry bags made from virgin plastic of thickness not less than 30 micron and size not less than 8x12 inches.

Every manufacturer of polythenes would print on each carry bag his name, address, registration number, size, thickness and nature of plastic it is made from and codification as per IS:14534:1998.