Around 8,000 kg of plastic bags seized

NEW DELHI: Nearly 8,000 kilograms of plastic bags (less than 50 microns) have been seized, 492 challans issued and around Rs 3,00,000 in environment compensation has realised so far in Delhi, as part of the Delhi government's ongoing efforts to implement the plastic ban.

The information was provided by Environment Minister Imran Hussain, who conducted a meeting with senior officers of the municipal corporations, Revenue department, Urban Development department, Environment department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to review the progress made on the implementation of the ban on plastic carry bags less than 50 micron.

A communiqué stated: "On the occasion, officers informed the Minister that directions of NGT (National Green Tribunal) are being implemented by all concerned departments and plastic carry bags are being seized and challans are being issued."

"As per the reports submitted by various departments, a total of 7,739 kg of plastic carry bags (less than 50 microns) have been seized, 492 challans have been issued and a total of Rs 2,90,000 amount has been realised as Environment compensation," the statement added.

The Minister had directed the officers to enforce strict prohibition on the sale, storage and use of less than 50 micron plastic carry bags at the shops and other establishments.

To spread awareness about the NGT directions, Hussain also directed officials of the Environment department to issue public notice in newspapers in different languages.

Five teams of DPCC officers have been deployed to check the compliance of the above said orders.

These teams had earlier started checking compliance, effective from August 18.

The teams, so far, have found around five metric tonnes worth of plastic carry bags of less than 50 micron size. Further action as per law is being taken.

Moreover, to spread awareness about ban, the Minister also directed all concerned departments to issue public notices in newspapers, distribute pamphlets to the shops, convenience stores and among the general public, and conduct awareness workshops and drives.

The minister also noted that concerted and coordinated efforts are required to be taken on a regular basis by the various agencies charged with this responsibility, including, local bodies and the Revenue department.

The NGT had directed the DPCC and other authorities to seize the entire stock of such plastic within one week from the day of the ban.