Single-use plastic faces the bin

Officials say crackdown against ban violators on the anvil

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Environment Protection Department has taken a significant step in curbing pollution by declaring the use, manufacturing, and sale of single-use polythene bags and related products as a legal offense.

This action comes under Section 17 of the Environment Protection Act, with a punishment of up to Rs1 million. The Environment Protection Department has also been instructed to crack down on those violating this ban.

In the initial phase, 15 single-use plastic items have been prohibited, including disposable glasses, cups, plates, spoons, lunch boxes, knives, forks, PVC banners of 80 microns, plastic invitation cards, balloon sticks, packing for sweet boxes, juice straws, ice cream sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, earbuds with plastic sticks, various plastic flags, and candy sticks.

The manufacturing, packaging, supply, wholesale, retail sale, and use of these items have been completely banned and deemed criminal offenses. Even the plastic sticks used in lollipops have been prohibited.

Upon the recommendation of the department concerned, the Punjab governor has enacted the law, issued a gazette notification and acknowledging the hazardous pollution caused by these items.

Senior Research Officer of the Environment Protection Department in Rawalpindi, Amin Baig, stated that the usage of these single-use plastic products has now become a crime.

Not only can factories manufacturing these products for years be fined up to one million rupees per day under this new law, but all their products, raw materials, and stock can also be confiscated.

A phase-based ban on plastic usage is being implemented in Punjab, accompanied by the "Beat the Plastic" campaign.

Starting next week, a major operation will be launched against the use of single-use plastics in markets across all districts.

However, shopkeepers and factory owners have announced to challenge the law in the Lahore High Court, citing concerns for their businesses.

Shopkeepers involved in selling and using plastic food packets argue that the government should not create laws that adversely affect traders. Mohammad Faisal, a shopkeeper, expressed his concern over the potential loss of employment and investment in the manufacturing sector. Amjad Mehmood stated that disposable plastics were initially promoted by the government, and now that the business has flourished, restrictions are being imposed. They warned of a complete shutter-down strike and protest sit-in if any shopkeeper is fined, their shop or factory is sealed, or a fine of one million rupees is imposed.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2023.