Ban on plastic bags begins today in Sindh

KARACHI: The ban on plastic bags in Sindh begins today (October 1). The manufacturing, sale and use of plastic bags will henceforth be illegal in Sindh. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Environment, Coastal Development and Law Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the provincial government is prepared to implement the ban in full force. “For the first time in history, plastic manufacturers are also supporting our campaign. Factories manufacturing plastic bags will stop doing so from today (Tuesday),” said Wahab. He added that the environmental department has issued a formal notification announcing the ban on the use of plastic bags.

The notification states that whoever sells or uses plastic bags would be punished with a fine, and in case of continuing contravention or failure with an additional fine which may extend to Rs10,000 for every day during which such contravention continues.



According to Wahab, violations of the ban would be treated as a social crime and legal action would be taken against sellers and manufacturers of prohibited plastic bags under the law.

Set to implement

According to Wahab, the association of plastic manufacturers in Sindh has announced that it would abide by the government’s decision. They have assured that they will not manufacture non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags anymore, said Wahab. He added that the environment department had announced the ban two months ago. Plastic manufacturers had been informed in August 2019 that the ban would be implemented from October 1.

“We gave two months to wholesalers, retailers, customers and manufacturers to dispose of or end the stock of banned plastic bags,” said Wahab.



Referring to how the ban would be implemented, Wahab said that environmental teams would examine different markets and violators would be prosecuted with the cooperation of local police. This would be practiced all across Sindh. “Not only will penalties be imposed but factories found violating the ban, will also be sealed. We have to give up using plastic bags to keep our environment clean,” said Wahab, adding that the public should use cloth and paper bags.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2019.