Plastic ban enforcement in Faisalabad questioned

Probe recommends survey of factories producing bags below prescribed 75-micron thickness

FAISALABAD:

A provincial government probe report has questioned the enforcement of Punjab's plastic bag regulations in Faisalabad, observing that action against retailers appears to be continuing while manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and other major suppliers of prohibited plastic bags remain largely unchecked.

According to the report, clear restrictions have been imposed in Faisalabad under the Punjab government's environmental policy and prescribed regulations concerning the quality and thickness of plastic shopping bags. However, the manufacturing, supply, sale and use of plastic bags thinner than 75 microns continue in the district.

The report said prohibited plastic bags were still being provided at general stores, grocery shops, fruit and vegetable stalls, bakeries, medical stores and other commercial establishments. In some areas, such bags were found openly displayed inside or outside shops, while shopkeepers continued to use them during routine transactions.

It observed that although action had been taken against some retailers and prohibited bags confiscated, effective and sustained action against factories, manufacturing units, wholesale dealers and major suppliers was not evident.

The report said restricting enforcement to retailers would not achieve the government's objective if the primary sources manufacturing and supplying prohibited bags continued to operate.

It recommended a comprehensive survey of factories and manufacturing units producing plastic shopping bags across the district and the preparation of a complete list of such entities.

The report also called for scientific testing of bag thickness and strict legal action against manufacturers found producing bags below the prescribed 75-micron limit.

It recommended effective monitoring of wholesale markets and distribution networks to trace the supply chain.

It further recommended re-inspection of factories and individuals previously subjected to enforcement action to ensure that violations did not resume.