Delhi government intensifies anti-plastic drive

Intensifying its drive against use of plastic bags, the Delhi government today registered six cases against violators, on a day the Delhi High Court upheld government's notification banning use of such items.
 
"The cases have been filed against the violators, mainly shop owners in a few malls in the posh South Extension area of the city," a senior official from the Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCC) told PTI. The anti-plastic bags drive came hours after a division Bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur dismissed the plea of plastic manufacturers challenging the notification on the ground that their business has come to a total standstill after the ban.
 
The official said cases will be filed in the competent court for further action in the matter. If proved guilty, the violators can face a fine upto Rs1 lakh and/or five years' imprisonment as per the notification issued by Delhi government in January.
 
The Delhi government, on January 7, had banned the use of plastic bags in shopping malls, five star hotels, restaurants, dairies, fruits and vegetable outlets under the Environment Protection Act. The ban had followed the Delhi High Court's August 7, 2008 order based on the Justice Chopra committee report. Last week the government had registered ten cases against violators.