The Delhi government, in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, decided to impose a blanket ban on manufacture, sale, storage and use of plastic bags in the national capital. The Cabinet meeting was presided over by chief minister Sheila Dikshit.
Senior Delhi government officials confirmed that the use of plastic cover pouch to pack magazines, invitation cards, and greeting cards will also be prohibited. The green groups have been demanding a blanket ban on plastic bags in the capital for long.
The government has decided to impose the ban as per provision of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 under which the violators could face imprisonment up to five years and fine of upto `1 lakh or both.
“Polythene bags are dangerous for the mother earth. The Cabinet has decided to impose a ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of plastic bags in Delhi considering its adverse impact on the environment and ecology,” Ms Dikshit told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting.
As per the decision, no person including shopkeepers, vendors, wholesalers, retailers and hawkers will be allowed to sell, store or use plastic carry bags for supply of any goods.
“Plastic bags have been causing blockage of sewerage network in the city resulting in serious public health-related problems,” she added.
Earlier the city government had imposed a ban on the use of plastic bags in year 2009 in various markets, shopping malls, hotels and hospitals following the Delhi high court order but it has not produced any desired result.