Plastic Ban In Delhi: The North Delhi Municipal Corporation Seizes 150 Kg Of Polythene Bags

New Delhi: In an interim ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic bags which are less than 50 microns, that’s less than an average human hair, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently passed an in the entire national capital order that said anyone with a possession of these ban plastic bags will be fined Rs. 5,000 as an environmental compensation. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson, Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the Delhi government to seize the entire stock of plastic within few weeks from the day the order was passed (August 11).

In a bid to support the Green Court order, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation seized polythene bags weighing 150 kg in total as a part of its drive against use of poly bags. A senior official of the NDMC disclosed it in a statement,

Polythene bags weighing 80 kg in total have been seized from Azadpur Mandi area in Civil Lines. 70 kg of polythene bags has been seized from Sadar Paharganj area, a senior official of the NDMC discloses these facts in a statement.

The green panel had last year banned the usage of disposable plastic in the city to reduce dumped waste. In July, the tribunal slammed the Delhi government over indiscriminate and rampant use of plastic in the national capital despite its prohibition. Now, it has ordered the government to impose a strict ban on plastic and sought a status report on the issue and implementation.

Also Read: Plastic Ban: What India Can Learn From Other Countries

India generates around 56 lakh tonnes of plastic waste annually, where Delhi alone accounts for 9,600 metric tonnes per day. Plastic menace is growing with each passing day and is making waste management a Herculean task for the country. Plastic Bags, especially a thinner versions are bad for the environment, reason being, plastic bags are used only once by the users but tends to stay on the planet for many-many years. These clog sewers, choke and kill animals and are a major source of environmental pollution. Why? Because, the earth cannot digest plastic as plastic is non0bi.

Also Read: Change Begins At Home: 5 Simple Ways To Reduce Waste

Scientists and researchers say that every square mile of oceans contains about 46,000 pieces of floating plastic. The World Economic Forum study done on plastic pollution around the world states Oceans will have more plastics than fish by 2050.

Also Read: Delhi Plastic Ban: Poor Implementation Means Plastic Still Being Commonly Used

NDMC seems to be doing its bit towards making Plastic Ban a success, but, the need of the hour is the involvement of all the other authorities and most important the citizens.

With Inputs From PTI