Plastic carry bags not only cause environmental degradation but also release harmful and toxic gases which are Carcinogenic in nature and pose a serious health hazard.  Keeping all these aspects in view, the various State Governments has decided to ban the manufacturing and use of plastic carry bags of thickness less than 30 microns and size less than 8"x12". Beside this there is a complete ban on use of plastic articles such as carry bags (irrespective of thickness and size), plates, cups, tumblers, spoons & forks and straws in areas having special historical, religious or ecologic significance.

Plastic carry bags have following detrimental effects:

• Clogging of water and sewerage drains;
• Interference with system of water recharge due to impermeable surface of plastic;
• Diseases due to plastic surface providing breeding ground for pathogenic micro organism;
• Destruction of aesthetic visual values;
• Transfer of toxicity to food stuffs when carried in coloured bags;
• Air Pollution during the process of burning/recycling of plastic;
• Threat to health of animals who may eat the plastic along with other material;
• Transfer of toxicity to various soil layers.

This is an appeal to people not to use plastic carry bags
of thickness less than 30 microns and size less than 8"x12"
and co-operate in maintaining healthy and clean environment
for our young generation and generations to come.

 

 

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Chandigarh imposes complete ban on using polybags

 

The Chandigarh Administration has put complete ban on the manufacture and  use of polythene/plastic carry bags with effect from 2nd October, 2008. The notification in this regard was issued in July 30 by the Department of Environment under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. [ Notification ]

No person including a shopkeeper, vendor, wholeseller or retailer, trader, hawker or rehriwala etc., shall use polythene/plastic carry bags for supply of goods in polythene/plastic carry bags. No person shall manufacture, store, import, sell or transport polythene/plastic carry bags in Union Territory, Chandigarh.

Violators of this act can be given rigorous imprisonment extended up to five years or fine of Rs one lakh or both depending on the extent of violations. For the habitual violators, an additional fine of Rs 5,000 per day shall be imposed and there are provisions of imprisonment up to seven years depending upon the violation, stated the official.

Besides, packaged commodities including milk products and grocery items have been exempted from this Act.
 

Chandigarh Administration: Brochure about polythene "Say no to Polythene"