Kolkata all set to implement plastic and thermocol ban from Oct 2

Ban on plastic bags below 50 microns was imposed three years ago, but it was never implemented.

A penalty of Rs 500 will be imposed on vendors and traders for every plastic use, while customers will be fined Rs 50 for accepting such bags, the authorities have said.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation have already geared with team of inspectors visiting markets to alert traders about the ban and the penalties for flouting the ban.

The civic inspectors have apprised fish and vegetable sellers as well as stationery and grocery shop owners about the plastic ban

In addition to plastic bags, thermocol wares will be prohibited, the officials have said.

Traders, who sell plates, glasses, straws and all sorts of plastic and thermocol wares have been asked to get rid of their stock by the night of Oct 1.

Traders and vendors have been urging customers to carry shopping bags from Oct 2 as the plastic bags above 50 micron will be charged at Rs 3.

On Aug 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to the people of India and the implementing agencies to free India from the menace of single-use plastic and initiate “the first big step" on Oct 2.

Plastic pollution has impacted the health of oceans and marine life as 50 per cent of the single-use plastic end up there, compelling countries across the world formulate policies.

European Union also plans to ban single-use plastic wares by 2021.