2 months after HC order, Delhi implements total ban on plastic bags

The Delhi government had earlier declared that allowing the use of degradable plastic bags in shopping centres was its “interpretation” of the HC order. This was despite the court clearly imposing a total ban on plastic bags in shopping centres.

Delhi can now look forward to a comprehensive management plan to stop the use of plastic bags, with various non-traditional departments being roped in to tackle their manufacture and utilisation.

In a first-of-its-kind step, the Department of Environment has asked various departments to formulate action plans on the use and management of plastics. It is now seeking to propagate the use of bio-degradable plastics (which break down to form compost and pose no threat to the environment) in the city.

“While there is some presence of bio-degradable plastic bags in the city, we have to encourage it. We have written to the VAT Commissioner seeking exemptions on the manufacture of these bags. We will also write to the Customs for exemptions on the import of machines that manufacture these bags,” said an official from the Department of Environment. The department has instructed major plastic manufacturers to pick up plastic waste after it is

discarded.

For the use of plastics that have already been produced, the plan is to use them in the construction of roads, and in the manufacture of non-traditional products. “We have asked the Central Public Works Department and the Public Works Department to formulate an action plan for using plastics to make new roads. We have also officially asked the Delhi Commission for Women, the Social Welfare Department and the Delhi Khadi Board to use plastics in products like mats or furniture,” the official added.

The New Delhi Municipal Council, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Cantonment Board have been asked to formulate action plans for the collection of plastic waste. Though the Delhi Plastic Act is in place, collection of plastic waste has not been given much attention till now. Officials said all measures and their implementation would be reviewed at the chief secretary level.

Environmentalists have welcomed the move. “It is only a total ban on plastic bags that can actually ensure a plastic-free city. We had recorded our objections when the Delhi government allowed degradable bags at shopping centres,” says environmentalist Vinod Jain.