the Centre is likely to ban the use of recycled plastic bags throughout the country. In this regard, the Union ministry of environment and forests has already got the necessary clearance from the Election Commission ( ec ).
The draft notification calling for a ban on recycled plastic bags was published in November 1998. After considering objections from the Recycled Plastic Manufacturers' Association, the notification was finalised by Suresh Prabhu, Union minister for environment and forests. However, the notification does not seek to ban carry bags made from virgin plastic and those bags that are not artificially coloured.
Instead of a total ban on plastic bags, the government has prescribed that all carry bags should be at least 20 microns thick, whether made of recycled or virgin plastic. Vendors will not be permitted to store, carry, dispense or pack foodstuffs in recycled plastic bags.
"The notification will also lay down the standards for recycling plastic as per the standards outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards," says an environment ministry official.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.