Bhubaneswar: The state government Monday issued an order restricting use of single-use plastic in all municipal towns of the state.
The government had issued an order making ban on sale, storage and manufacture of plastic in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rourkela and Puri ULBs with effect from October 2 last year. According to the directive issued by Forest and Environment department, no one will be able to sell, trade, manufacture, import, store, carry, transport, use or distribute plastic items and polythene in the urban areas.
Also, drinking water pouches, plastic water bottles with less than 200 ml capacity, polythene bags, disposable plastic cups, plates, glasses, bowls, spoons, and plastic straws, too, will no longer be allowed anywhere in the urban areas. Thermocol decorative materials have also been banned in the ULBs. However, polythene can be used for selling of milk and milk products.
Vendors have been asked not to use polythene sheets of less than 50 micron thickness. The government, however, clarified that there would be no ban on blood transfusion bags, plastic used in healthcare, garbage, medicines and milk products.
Traders dealing in plastic bags have been given one month to do away with the remaining products. People have been asked not to carry any plastic or polythene bags to any public place. All religious institutions, hotels and restaurants have been told to strictly abide by the order.
The H&UD and Panchayati Raj departments have been asked to execute the order in urban and rural areas respectively, while the Forest and Environment department has been tasked with monitoring its implementation.
Those violating the order will undergo a five-year jail term with a fine of up to a maximum of Rs 1 lakh.