Haryana bans polythene bags

CHANDIGARH - The Haryana government Saturday announced a complete ban on usage, storage and recycling of polythene carry bags in the state

The ban has been approved by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, an official spokesman said here.

At present, the ban was not proposed to be imposed on use of plastic for packing material but this would be considered in due course of time, he said.

The spokesman said that the decision to impose a ban on recycling, storage and usage of polythene carry bags was taken because it was observed that partial ban on use of polythene carry bags of up to specific thickness did not yield desired results.

Generally, it was difficult to identify the poly-bags with less thickness as their cost was low and had more demand in the market. There was always a scope for pilferage into the state and other corrupt practices. The customers never objected to receiving any article in such bags as they were very convenient to carry, the spokesman added.

He added that polythene bags were not only choking drains and sewers but also causing death of cows and buffaloes.

Adjoining states Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and union territory of Chandigarh have already imposed a complete ban on recycling, storage and usage of polythene bags.