Raids fail to check use of plastic bags

Satinder Pal Singh

Dera Bassi, June 16

Plastic carry bags continue to be in use in the city without any hindrance despite raids conducted by PPCB officials and the health wing of the Municipal Council, Dera Bassi, at various establishments yesterday. Various shopkeepers were also challaned for using plastic bags.

Challans issued by the authorities concerned have failed to check use of polythene bags. These bags have become a major reason for chocked sewers in the city. Polythene bags are still in circulation and people can be seen carrying these bags in various parts of the city.

According to the notification, non-biodegradable plastic carry bags or containers, including items made from thermocol, have been banned under Section 7 of the Punjab Plastic Carry Bag Act.

A random visit to the city on Sunday revealed unregulated use of banned material across the city.

From vegetable vendors to high-end stores, everyone is using banned plastic bags to help customers in carrying the purchased material in the city.

Most of the violators were not aware of the harmful effects of plastic bags and ban on using .

Officials of the Municipal Council said despite drainage facilities in several parts of the city, waterlogging is persistent since decades now and after every downpour in the city as polythene bags choked sewer lines.

Stray cattle are often seen feeding on heaps of garbage dumped in polythene bags. The menace has reached an alarming proportion due to the absence of effective waste management and disposal system.

“Customers don’t bring their own bags and ask us for polythene bags. If we stop providing them polythene bags, our business suffers,” a shopkeeper said.

On June 15, a team, led by the Regional Officer, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Kanwaldeep Kaur, and MC officials conducted a surprise check at different shops in Dera Bassi and seized 340 kg of plastic bags.

“We keep a check on the sale and use of plastic bags. We will continue inspections at the wholesale establishments. If shopkeepers will be found using polythene bags despite warning, strict against will be taken against them,” said a PPCB official.

What notification says

According to the notification, non-biodegradable plastic carry bags or containers, including items made from thermocol, have been banned under Section 7 of the Punjab Plastic Carry Bag Act.