Ban on Plastic Bags Creates Demand for Eco Friendly Bags

Government of Delhi (India) has finally notified a blanket ban on use of plastic bags from 17th January, 2009 within its state. This much awaited initiative towards protection of environment is welcomed by all of us and we expect Governments of other states and countries to do the same before it gets too late.

The ban comes after a four-year legal battle at Delhi High Court over a PIL seeking the ban, and almost a year after a court-appointed committee recommended it. The Delhi government has widened the scope of the ban.

According to the notification, “use, storage and sale” of plastic bags of any kind or thickness, in all places where you get the bags after shopping, are banned. Anyone guilty of breaking the ban faces a maximum penalty of Rs 1 lakh or five years’ imprisonment or both.

This ban on use of plastic bags will create a good demand for eco friendly carry bags like paper bags, jute bags, cotton bags and other bags made up of natural and eco friendly fibers and substances which do not have any harmful effect on the environment.