Indian Express 23.11.2009
Govt plans crackdown on plastic bag wholesalers
In an effort to step up the drive against the use of plastic bags in the Capital, the Delhi government is now considering a crackdown on wholesale traders who sell plastic bags.
Officials have reportedly been asked to carry out an intensive enforcement drive at the wholesale markets of plain plastic bags at Sadar Bazaar, Kharibauli and Khurshid Market.
“So far, the drive focussed on prosecuting the consumers of plastic bags. But for an effective implementation there is a need to curb the source. Hence, now we have asked the enforcing agencies to keep an eye on the shops selling plastic bags in the market areas,” an official said.
With complaints against Mother Dairy outlets violating the ban, the Food and Civil Supplies department has also been asked to enforce the ban.
The state government’s January notification reads: Use, storage and sale of plastic bags of any kind or thickness in all places where one gets the bags after shopping is banned.
Violators face a maximum penalty of Rs 1 lakh or five years imprisonment or both, says the Environment Protection Act.
So far, the government has registered cases against 50 people and one of them was penalised by the court recently.
