Ban on plastic bags: Hussain asks officials to enforce strict action

NEW DELHI: Based on reports from markets in the national Capital, the Environment department of the Delhi government has instructed officials to take stringent action against shop owners who are still using plastic carry bags.

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain had earlier directed officers of his Department to enforcing a strict prohibition on the sale, storage and use of plastic carry bags less than 50 micron in stores and other establishments in Delhi.

The direction was issued by the Minister during a meeting on Sunday with senior officers of the Environment department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to review the progress of implementation of the ban on plastic carry bags, ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

During the meeting, the officers informed Hussain it had been decided on August 16 that all local bodies, District Magistrates and the DPCC will take strict and immediate action towards implementation of the NGT's directions.

Persons found in possession or caught using such plastic carry bags will be liable to pay environment compensation of Rs 5,000 per default and the plastic bags will be seized on the spot. To spread awareness about the ban, Hussain also directed officers to issue a public notice in newspapers in different languages.

Earlier the week, Hussain headed a meeting where he directed surprise inspection at markets. In the primary report, it was clear to the Minister that vendors are not following the ban order.

The Minister realised that an all-round effort is needed and stringent action must be taken. At the end of the last week, officials will submit details to the Department, based on which the next course of action will be decided.