ProMASS News Bureau: Jan 21, 2016:
In Uttar Pradesh, the blanket ban on polythene bags has been enforced today. The state cabinet on December 18 had decided to ban the manufacture, import, purchase and storage of all kinds of plastic carry bags after which an official notification was issued on December 22. Any vendor or shop keeper found selling his merchandise by putting them into these poly bags to customers, will now be punished under Environment Protection Act 1986.
The ban will also includes the poly bag or plastic film packing of Invitation cards, books and magazines etc. The government had taken the decision to protect the environment and public health. The ban is not applicable to plastic carry bags used for sealing consumables such as milk. UP Pollution Control Board had been mandated for ensuring compliance of the ban order. The Industry sources said that the state plastic bag manufacturing business is estimated at Rupees 5,000 crore and supports the livelihood of about five million workers. A petition to lift the ban will come up for hearing before High Court on February four.
