Haryana significantly curtails plastic use

CHANDIGARH - The Haryana government has imposed a complete ban on the use of polythene bags made of virgin or recycled plastic with a thickness of less than 40 microns and size less than 12 x 18 inches in the state.

“No person would manufacture, stock, distribute, sell or use carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic of thickness less than 40 microns and size less than 12 x 18 inches,” Ajay Singh Yadav, state forest minister told reporters here Wednesday.

Earlier, thickness and size of banned plastic carry bags was less than 30 microns and less than 8 x 12 inches, respectively.

“Besides, a complete ban has been also imposed on the use of all types of plastic articles such as carry bags, plates, cups, spoons, forks and straw in public parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and at those places which have historical, religious and ecological significance,” Yadav stated.

Yadav said a penalty of Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 could be imposed on the manufacturing unit for its first offence, and its licence could be cancelled in addition to confiscating the machinery on repeated violations.

Similarly, Rs.2,500 to Rs.5,000 fine will be imposed on the retailer, vendor and other establishments found violating these directions for the first time and if found violating again, their trade licence would be cancelled.

“If an individual is found littering public places with plastic bags, then he could be fined ranging from Rs.250 to Rs.500 per offence,” stated Yadav.

Haryana state pollution control board would be the prescribed authority for the enforcement of these directions in the state.