Hyderabad: Selling or storing plastic bags below 50 microns, as also use of such sachets or pouches, will draw a fine of Rs 10,000 in a new step to control the plastic menace in the city. The fine, for a second time, would be Rs 25,000; and if caught for a third time, the establishment will be shut down; and/or the stocked or sold material confiscated.
The warning was issued by the GHMC on Wednesday. As per Public Waste Management rules 2016, plastic bags made of recycled plastic should not be of less than 50 microns strength. A drive is on to monitor all establishments in the use and disposal of plastic. Raids will be conducted against stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry-bags of thickness less than 50 microns. Sachets, using plastic, shall not be used for strings, packing or for selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.
Civic chief seeks daily report
Unregistered units including those manufacturing carry bags/plastics having less than 50 microns thickness shall be closed down.
GHMC commissioner Dr B. Janardhan Reddy said, “Discarded plastics pose a threat to human lives and environment. Due to its non-biodegradable nature, littering of plastic material causes irreversible damage to the environment.”
Dr Reddy said that plastic bags also interfere with various agricultural operations, prevent natural recharge of underground water and contribute to visual pollution. Consuming food wrapped in coloured plastic adversely effects health. GHMC will also spread awareness among the public on use of plastic bags."
The commissioner has advised zonal deputy commissioner and assistant medical health officer of GHMC to ensure strict implementation of the regulations and submit a daily report to the heads of the concerned depatment. The Central government has issued notification to cover exercising of powers for environmental protection.
