Vendors violate plastic ban

Despite regulatory measures and enforcement campaigns, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to eliminate the widespread use of plastic shopping bags thinner than 75 microns, which remain banned under provincial laws.

The prohibited bags continue to be used by fruit and vegetable vendors, milk sellers, grocery stores and many other retailers in markets across Lahore.

In an effort to further discourage the use of single-use plastics, the EPA has announced that from September 6, businesses across the province will not be allowed to charge consumers separately for plastic shopping bags.

Punjab EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said some businesses had been treating plastic shopping bags as a separate product by printing their branding on them and charging customers an additional amount, earning profit in the process. He said the practice would no longer be allowed.

He said consumers asked to pay separately for plastic bags after the deadline can lodge complaints through the EPA helpline number 1373.

According to the EPA, businesses found violating the directive may face fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000. In serious cases, authorities may seal the premises and register criminal cases against violators.