Mumbai, (The Hindu): Shops, malls and other commercial establishments will have to comply with the State’s proposed ban on plastic bags and thermocol goods if they want the local civic bodies to renew or issue licences. The draft notification for the ban will be issued within a fortnight.

State Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam had earlier announced the government’s decision to ban plastic from Gudi Padwa (March 18). After the draft notification is published, the government will call for suggestions and modifications before finalising it.

Striking at the root

The proposal bans manufacture, use, storage, distribution and sale of plastic carry bags, thermocol and plastic plates, cups, glasses, forks, bowls and spoons, flex, non-woven polypropylene bags, banners, flags, decorative door hangings, plastic sheets, and all types of plastic wrappers.

The ban aims to cut the use of plastic at the root.

The Environment Department will launch a wide publicity campaign against the use of plastic, and has issued clear directions to all civic bodies that adherence to the ban will be a condition establishments must fulfil before they are issued new licences or old ones are renewed.

Effective regulation

The State has already banned the production and distribution of plastic carry bags thinner than 50 microns and smaller than 8x12 inches. “But no visible, effective impact is seen on the ground. The environmental problems due to non-biodegradable plastic are on rise. Water clogging due to plastic bags causes health hazards. Animals are eating these bags, and marine animals are endangered too,” said an officer from the Environment Department.