Ban on plastic bags now gets thicker

By DNA Correspondent, DNA, Nov. 20, 2009

Gandhinagar, India: Following the Union ministry of forest & environment's new guidelines, the state government is likely to publish a notification banning manufacturing and use of 40 micron and 12x18 inches plastic bags. Plastic bags of 20 micron have already been banned.

State government sources said that non-recyclable laminated plastic/metallic pouches, multilayered packaging, and other non-recyclable plastic too would be prohibited.

Biodegradable plastic bags or containers or pouches or multilayered packaging made from biodegradable plastic films will have to meet BIS specifications. Under the newnorms, each carry bag will have to carry either 'Virgin Plastic' or 'recycled plastic' or 'bio-degradable plastic' markings. Manufactures will be required to print their name and address on the plastic carry bag."

Sources further said that the government may also ban use of plastic in eco fragile, tourist spots and in public places among many other sensitive areas. State chief secretary, D Rajagopalan has asked state forest & environment department to stringently follow the central government order.