90 fined Rs 55,000 for using polybags

Our Correspondent

UNA, OCTOBER 15

During inspections conducted by officers of the Civil Supplies Department against shopkeepers using banned polythene bags for packing items, Rs 55,000 has been realised as fines in the last two months from the district .

In an official press note here, inspections were conducted under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995. As many as 379 inspections were done in which 90 shopkeepers were found flouting the ban.

District Civil Supplies Controller Vijay Singh Hamlal said the department had been spreading awareness among the public against the single use plastic material, including polythene bags, which clog drains and harm water bodies. He said such plastic, if stored in houses or business establishments, could be sold back to the government at a cost of Rs 75 per kg.