NGT imposes ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic bags less than 50 microns in Delhi

(Representational image)

New Delhi: In a bid to eliminate the harmful effects of plastic on human life and the environment, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an interim ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags which are less than 50 microns in Delhi.

An environment compensation of Rs 5,000 on anyone found in possession of such banned plastic has also been announced.

The tribunal has further directed the Delhi government to seize the entire stock of plastic within one week from today.

The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the AAP-ruled city government and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to file an affidavit by a senior most officer and inform it how directions with regard to waste management in the city were being implemented particularly in respect to plastics.

Last year, the green body had banned the use of disposable plastic in Delhi and NCR with effect from January 1, 2017 and directed the city government to take steps to reduce dumped waste.

On July 31, the Tribunal slammed the Delhi government over indiscriminate and rampant use of plastic in the national capital despite its prohibition.

The bench had directed the city government to strictly enforce its ban order in the city and sought a status report on the issue.

The NGT had prohibited the use of disposable plastic in the entire city, especially at hotels, restaurants and for public and private functions, while asking the Delhi government to take appropriate steps against "storage, sale and use" of such material from January 1 this year.

It had also said that an environment compensation of Rs 10,000 would be imposed on vegetable vendors and slaughter houses for throwing garbage in public places.

(With PTI inputs)