CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has issued a public notice asking all producers, importers and brand owners, recyclers and manufacturer of plastic carry bags and allied items to fulfill extended producers responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste generated due to the products introduced by them in the market, and register by May 15 or face action.
The notice, which was issued by CPCC member secretary, stated that those who have not applied should register themselves with Central Pollution Control Board CPCB (those operating in more than two states/UTs) and CPCC (those operating in one or two states/UTs including Chandigarh) latest by May 15.
As per notice, action will be initiated against violators under environment protection act 1986, and defaulters will be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and fine which may extend to Rs 1 lakh or both.
Recently, the central government had asked the administration to submit a report on plastic ban enforcement.
The administration in 2019 had notified plastic ban in the city.
Last year, on the demand of manufacturers the administration had even removed three plastic items from the list of banned plastic items. The administration had kept --plastic refill pouch having quantity less than 500ml; straws attached with tetra packs and multilayered packaging used for food/snacks packing----under extended producer responsibility (EPR) instead of the ban list.
The administration in September 2019 had banned plastic plates, cups, party bloopers, plastic ribbons and many other single use plastic in the city.
After getting approval of Punjab governor-cum-UT administrator VP Singh Badnore, the UT administration had issued the final notification to ban all one-time-use plastic products.
In July 2019, the UT had issued draft notification and sought suggestions and objections from public within 60 days. The committee had received around 32 objections, including from different resident welfare associations, traders and industrialist organisations.
The administration has taken the step after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed it to submit its action plan on systematic disposal of plastic waste. The NGT had ordered that any person found using, storing, purchasing, dealing with or distributing plastic bags, plastic plates or plastic glasses and such allied items shall be liable to pay environmental compensation at the rate of Rs 5,000 per event.