Punjab Govt bans production, sale of plastic bags

RAWALPINDI: The district administration is all set to implement the ban on plastic bags from Wednesday (today) on the directive of the Punjab government.

In this regard, the administration has started work to ensure the replacement of plastic bags of less than 75 microns in shopping malls in the city.

Initially, the teams would confiscate plastic bags of less than 75 microns (polyethylene, non-woven polypropylene) from retailers in commercial areas. The environment department would start registration of producers, distributors, recyclers, and collectors.

The registration of producers and distributors shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating that they will not produce/distribute plastic bags of less than 75 microns and will phase out their stock in 45 days in an environment-friendly manner.

After 45 days, the existing stock of producers and distributors will be confiscated.

Producers, distributors, recyclers, and collectors will have their doors sealed on June 21 if they do not register within 15 days of June 5.

The Punjab government has banned the usage, manufacture, distribution, and exchange of plastic bags as of right now, according to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She underlined that using plastic hurts both the environment and public health.

According to Maryam Nawaz, “the ‘Say No to Plastic’ campaign aims to promote eco-friendly practices and lessen environmental pollution.” She went on to say that the regulation prohibiting plastic would be severely enforced.

Maryam Nawaz also stated that the use of plastic bags in hotels, restaurants, and food outlets is now prohibited.

She encouraged the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, such as cotton bags, to replace plastic bags.