Environment Minister Imran Hussain said on Sunday that agencies concerned have seized approximately 30,000 kg of plastic carry bags (less than 50 microns), issued 1,650 challans and collected a total of ₹31,80,000 in fines as environmental compensation. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had on August 10 directed that any person found in possession or using plastic carry bags shall be liable to pay environment compensation of ₹5,000 per default and carry bags shall be seized on the spot.
The Minister said the Environment Department had compiled the information after obtaining it from the New Delhi Municipal Council, three civic bodies, Delhi Cantonment Board and government departments concerned.
Mr. Hussain said he has directed officials to intensify the drive against plastic carry bags to make a visible difference since complaints have been received that such plastic carry bags are still being used.
Awareness programmes
He stressed on effective implementation of the ban by carrying out widespread checks and running mass awareness programmes.
The NGT had last week asked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to submit a status report on the steps taken to implement its order banning plastic in the Capital. The green panel had last year banned the use of disposable plastic in the National Capital Region with effect from January 1, 2017.
“You [Delhi] say the ban is being implemented. You just go to the fruit seller or any shop, and you will get the plastic for free. It is so easily available. Why don’t you strictly recover the fines from violators?” a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar had said.
It had ordered the government to immediately conduct raids on shops in different parts of the city and recover the banned material.
The green panel also ordered the city government to strictly impose the environment compensation of ₹5,000 on the offenders.
