SMC seizes 30 tons of plastic bags from 3 godowns

Siliguri: The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has intensified its efforts against the use of banned plastic carry bags, seizing 30 tons of single-use plastic during a special operation on Wednesday.

Despite an existing ban on plastic bags, their rampant use continues unabated in the city. Acting on information from sources, municipal officials conducted surprise inspections in three godowns located in Wards 8 and 9. During the raid, a significant stockpile of plastic carry bags was confiscated.

“Single-use plastics have been banned, but their use persists. We are committed to taking strict action against offenders to ensure compliance. We are taking legal action against the owners of the godowns,” said Ranjan Sarkar, Deputy Mayor of Siliguri. He further assured that the SMC would continue its crackdown on single-use plastics to protect the environment.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation on the same day, SMC conducted an eviction drive to clear illegal encroachments on Nivedit Road in the Champasari area. The drive was carried out with the backing of Pradhan Nagar Police. Temporary shops that had been set up illegally on public roads were dismantled.

Earlier too, the SMC conducted an eviction drive on the same road and removed all the illegal stalls. However, after a few days, the traders again started selling vegetables and other products from the same place by occupying the road. This led the SMC to conduct the drive again in the same area.