Plastic ban in Delhi

Violators will be prosecuted under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and can face imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of up to one lakh rupees. While government officials say they are serious about implementing the ban, they have agreed to a window period to allow Delhiites to adjust. Earlier laws that attempted to curb the use of plastic permitted bags with a thickness of 40 microns. However, this was more of a restriction on manufacturers and was found to be largely ineffective. Aggrieved traders have voiced complaints that they have not been provided with suitable alternatives but the government says that while jute and cloth are slightly more expensive options, it is a necessary transition and that it is working on an economically viable substitute.

February 2009