Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has imposed ban on the use of polythene bags and single-use plastic in six cities in the State- Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Puri effective from today.
No person can sell, trade, manufacture, import, store, carry, transport, use or distribute polythene and single-use plastic in these cities, an official statement issued by the State Forest and Environment Department said.
The order will be implemented in other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Odisha after three months, the statement added.
As per the order, no person shall carry polythene bags of any shape, thickness and size (excluding compostable), drinking water packed in polythene terephthalate bottles of less than 500 ml capacity and litter any public place with any plastic item.
The government has also imposed restrictions on single use disposable cutlery made up of thermocol (polystyrene), polyurethane or plastic such as dish, spoon, cup, plate, glass, fork, bowl and pouch to store liquid and container of any shape and size except for packing and sale of milk as well as other ancillary milk products besides thermocol decorative materials like flowers.
The traders will not be permitted to use polythene sheets of less than 50 micron thickness for storing, transporting, dispensing or packaging of any article or commodity or food items, consumables, packaging of milk and milk products and edible oil in sealed manner.
However, the government exempts plastic for carrying and transporting garbage and containers like cup for milk products including curd and ice-cream, polythene packaging materials used in plant nurseries, horticulture, agriculture and healthcare sector.
The violation of the order by Manufacturers, dealers and major commercial establishments will have to undergo a minimum punishment of five years of jail term and fine upto Rs one lakh.
The government has insisted the district administrations to ensure strict implementation of the ban.