Bengal prohibits plastic bags from July 1

KOLKATA: The Government of West Bengal has decided to prohibit the use of plastic bags with a thickness of less than 75 microns in the state from July 1, according to Firhad Hakim, Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal. This instruction has been sent to 1026 plastic carry bag manufacturing enterprises in the state.

He stated that the Central Pollution Control Board has established a standard for plastic packet thickness, prohibiting the use of plastic carry bags and wrappers with a thickness of less than 75 microns as of July 1. The minister stated that the notification has been circulated among departments and enforcing authorities. If merchants are caught using plastic packages with a thickness of less than 75 microns, they would be fined Rs 500, while buyers will be fined Rs 50, he added. According to an official from the Department of Urban Development, the use of very thin plastic bags is widespread, despite rules prohibiting their use. The state government now intends to take strict action against the violators.