Eleven months and 30-odd challans since the ban on plastic bags was introduced in the Capital,the Delhi government is now looking at help from the police to implement the ban. According to officials in the Delhi government,the Environment department is preparing a Cabinet note that will authorise the Delhi Police to challan shopkeepers and traders found using plastic bags in violation of the ban. As per government notification,sub-divisional magistrates (SDM),civic bodies like New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD); the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and seven flying squads are at present empowered to reinforce the ban. We have been focussing on creating awareness and convincing traders and shopkeepers to switch to alternative bags of jute and paper since the ban was notified in January, a Delhi government official said. Plastic bags are still being circulated in shops and stores but checking for violation in every market or mall is difficult for all agencies,with a limited strength of inspection staff. This is why we are considering roping in the police as well. The police till now only accompany inspecting staff. After implementing the ban in January,DPCC imposed the first penalty in July,issuing 10 challans to shopkeepers in Rajouri Garden. While the number has gone up to about 30,including a challan of Rs 30,000 to a stationery shop owner in Kashmere Gate,NDMC has not issued any challan so far. The MCD,according to officials,has issued five. To discourage plastic bags,the government is also looking at setting up stalls for alternative bags at the India International Trade Fair,beginning in Pragati Maidan from November 14. We organised a meeting between trader organisations and jute and paper bagmakers, the official said. There are enough options now and traders must follow norms. As per the ban imposed on January 7,following a Delhi High Court order,sale,use or storage of all kinds of plastic bags are forbidden in notified places. Shopkeepers or traders found violating it are punishable under Section 19 of the Environment Protection Act,1986 a violator can face a maximum penalty of Rs 1 lakh or five years in jail,or both.
