The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday pulled up the Delhi government for not implementing the plastic ban effectively. It has now directed the government and the civic bodies to choose at least one market and make it plastic-free by Thursday.
Responding the Delhi government’s claim of having seized 34,000 kg of plastic, a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar said: “All the figures you are stating is very good but the authorities must implement it strictly. Show us one market where you have implemented the plastic ban effectively.”
Fine of ₹5 lakh
Directing the municipal corporations, the Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCB) and the Delhi government to take active steps in implementing the plastic ban, the green panel asked the authorities to ensure that there is no use of plastic in at least one market in the Capital.
“All three of you go to one market and tell us by Thursday that there are no plastics available in that particular market,” said the Bench.
Further, the Tribunal also warned the authorities that fines would be imposed on them if the directions are not followed.
“If we get plastic even in one market, we will fine the government and the corporations ₹5 lakh” said the Bench. “We are giving you liberty to deploy police and corporation officers as well,” added the green panel.
The green panel had, in December 2016, banned the use of disposable plastic in the Capital with effect from January 1, 2017.
Earlier order
“We further direct that the use of disposable plastic glasses is prohibited in entire NCT of Delhi at hotels, restaurants and public as well as private functions. The NCT of Delhi shall take appropriate steps against storage, sale and use of such plastic material,” read the 2016 order.
Further, it had directed the government to impose a fine of ₹5,000 on those found flouting the ban.
