Plastic proscription (Part 2)
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| Will a second ban on the ubiquitous plastic bag be more successful than the first? |
10 May, 2009 – More than a decade after the government banned the use and sale of plastic bags in the country, the ministry of economic affairs is reinforcing the ban.
In a notification yesterday, the ministry said that they would regularly monitor and inspect the ban and penalise offenders.
The first notification on the ban of plastic carry bags, doma wrappers and homemade ice cream pouches was issued on April 20, 1999. The ban was introduced, considering the adverse impact of plastics on the environment and public health.
The joint director of the department of trade, Dophu Tshering, said that that the ban could not be enforced effectively because of lack of coordination from the enforcement agency.
The enforcement agencies were the national commission for environment, city corporation, ministry of works and human settlement, ministry of economic affairs and the standard and quality control department.
“Now we’re reinforcing strictly and reminding the public on the ban,” said Dophu Tshering.
Those found violating would be fined Nu 500 for the first time, Nu 1,000 for the second and cancellation of trade license for third strike.
As the ban is being reinforced, a core study group from the enforcement agencies will do a comprehensive study and devise strategies on the use of plastics, said the joint director. “We’ll provide information on where substitutes for plastic bags are available and request the public to cooperate.”
Meanwhile, the department of trade is also planning to reconstitute the committee, which regulates the price of meat.
Source: Kuenselonline