Crackdown on plastic bag wholesale markets to enforce ban

The officials have been asked to carry out intensive enforcement drive at the wholesale markets of plain plastic bags at Sadar Bazaar, Kharibowli and Khurshid Market.

"So far, the drive had been focussed on prosecuting the consumers of the plastic bags. But for effective implementation of the law there is a need to curb the source. Hence, now we have asked the enforcing agencies to keep an eye on the shops selling plastic bags in the market areas," a senior official said.

At a meeting held recently, Delhi Environment Secretary Dharmendra also stressed that the local bodies like MCD, NDMC, and the Sub Divisional Magistrates should implement the ban vigorously in their area.

Pulling up the agencies for poor implementation, the Secretary also categorically told them that the sale, storage and use of all kinds of plastic bags are prohibited in the notified places. "This is irrespective of the size labelled as more than 40 microns or even if it is bio-degradable," a senior official said.

As complaints were also received that Mother Dairy outlets spread across the city too were violating the law by selling vegetables and food items in such bags, the representatives of Food and Civil Supplies Department have been asked to ensure a complete ban there, the official said.

According to the notification issued by the state government in January, use, storage and sale of plastic bags of any kind or thickness, in all places where one gets the bags after shopping, are banned.

Anyone guilty of breaching the ban faces a maximum penalty of Rs 1 lakh or five years' imprisonment or both, says the Environment Protection Act.
So far, the government has registered cases against 50 people with one of them penalised by the court recently.