Govt bans plastic carry bags

IMPHAL | Aug 21

The government of Manipur has notified complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags of more than fifty microns in thickness with immediate effect. Any person found using such plastics bags will be punished under Section 15 Environment protection Act, 1966.

A release signed by the deputy secretary of forest and environment, government of Manipur said the notification is in pursuance of Section 4 of the Plastic Waste Management rule, 2016, notified by the ministry of environment, forests and climate change, government of India.

It said the notification specifically directs the manufacturers, imported stocking, distributors, sellers and users of plastic bags, plastic sheets or similar to it, or cover made of plastic sheet and multi-layered packaging.

Further the release said whoever fails to comply with the notification under the said Act is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which may extend to Rs one lakh, or with both and in case the failure or contravention continues, with additional fine which may extend to Rs 5000 for every day during which such failure or contravention after the conviction for the failure or contravention.

If the failure or contravention referred to in the above mentioned clause continues beyond a period of one year after the date of conviction the offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, added the release.