Himachal: Local traders welcome ban on disposable thermocol plates

The local traders have welcomed the Himachal Pradesh government's recent notification of banning the use and sale of thermocol cutlery across the state.

To save the environment from degradation, Governor, Acharya Devvrat, on Saturday banned the use of thermocol cutlery, including cups, plates, glasses and spoons or any other item in the state.

Speaking about the same, Rajiv Sharma, a local trader said, "Since plastic was banned a few years ago, we had started using paper cups and plates. The outer parts of the state were using thermocol but not in the main area."

"It's a good decision to ban thermocol. We are promoting the use of paper plates since they are biodegradable," Sharma told ANI.

Meanwhile, D.C. Rana, Director, Environment, Government of Himachal Pradesh said that the retailers and stockiest have been given three months to clear the available stock.

"The manufacturers and shopkeepers have been given three months to finish their stock so that there is no financial loss. After that, a fine of Rs. 500 to Rs. 25,000 will be incurred. If someone is found throwing thermocol cutlery, he/she will also be penalised," Rana told ANI.

It should be noted Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to ban plastic and polythene carry bags in 2009.

In 2011, High Court had also banned the single use of plastic, plates, packed materials, cups and glasses but it was later challenged in apex court of the country.

The Uttar Pradesh government, too, last week, announced a ban on plastic, which will be implemented in the state from July 15.

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government had issued a notification, imposing a ban on the manufacture, use, sale and distribution of all plastic materials like plastic bags, spoons, plates, bottles and thermocol items.

Telangana government also instructed municipal bodies across the state against usage of plastic.