LAHORE: In a ground breaking initiative the Punjab government has announced to launch crackdown against the single-use plastic bags across province to promote healthy and clean environmental practices.
Violators may face fines up from Rs5000 to Rs50,000 under the modified “Production and Consumption of Single-Use Plastic Product Regulation 2023.”
District Plastic Management Committees have been established in accordance with the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement. In addition to closing the location, prohibited plastic items (less than 75 microns) will be confiscated.
District managers and police officers around the province have been instructed to work with the EPA teams and provide them with their full assistance as they take action against the production, distribution, and use of prohibited plastic bags starting on December 10.
An awareness campaign was started prior to the crackdown and will run through December 9. The Punjabi police and district administration have been instructed to take the necessary actions to ensure the success of the public awareness campaign. For the awareness campaign to be successful, the district administration has been instructed to call a meeting with relevant stakeholders.
