Ban of polythnene in Garhwal region from March 31

The ban on use of disposable items made from polythene and polystyrene (thermocol) will be strictly enforced in all the seven districts of Garhwal region from March 31 onward. Garhwal commissioner Dilip Javalkar has issued instructions to all district magistrates to ensure prohibition of the use of polythene carry bags, disposable dishes and other such items made from polystyrene.

He directed the officials concerned to undertake action in a phased manner to confiscate such prohibited items from the shops to effectively enforce the complete ban on their use from March 31.

The Garhwal commissioner further said that environmental damage has been exacerbated due to the general tendency to continue the use of polythene bags and other items including disposable products made from polystyrene in the Garhwal region.

He also asked office bearers of the committees managing temples and Gurudwaras where such items are used in bulk, to desist from continuing the use of such prohibited items. Javalkar said that the owners and managers hotels, temples and Gurudwaras had been informed about the damage being caused to the environment by polythene and polystyrene items.

Further, such items dumped improperly are also consumed by stray cattle and other animals which ends up damaging their health- even fatally at times. Directing officials to start seizing in a phased manner, the prohibited items being sold in the market, the commissioner said that those found selling the prohibited items after March 31 will be fined Rs5,000.