``We were planning to ban use of recycled plastic bags with immediate effect in the larger public interest. But we felt it would be a populist ban, as it would have been difficult to implement the decision in letter and spirit. Now we have drawn a strategy to ban use of recycled bags in the next two years,'' Union Minister for Environment and Forests Suresh Prabhu told Express Newsline.

Before taking the decision, Prabhu said he had a meeting with representatives of the Recycled Plastic Bag Manufacturers Association and also with a section of consumers. ``The manufacturers have agreed to my suggestions and assured full co-operation in implementing the decision,'' Prabhu said.

During the discussion, two major suggestions came forward. First was theintroduction of white bags, which will not be manufactured from recycled bags, and second, manufacture of recycled bags with thickness and colour prescribed by the Ministry. ``While there's no objection to the introduction of white plastic bags, the second suggestion is being examined by the Ministry,'' Prabhu added.

The Minister said he has asked manufacturers to conduct a one-time operation for removal of recycled plastic bags from the market. ``At the moment, it was found that recycled plastic bags were littered all over, particularly in the metropolis and other big cities, as rag-pickers aren't interested in collecting them because they're too thin. In fact, Mumbai witnessed large-scale water-logging as the stormwater drainages and outlets were choked by recycled plastic bags,'' Prabhu remarked.

He confirmed that poor quality of recycled plastic bags made them absolutely unsafe for storing any kind of eatables. ``On the one hand, we have taken a policy decision to ban such bags, and on the other, it'sour responsibility to discourage use of recycled plastic bags,'' he said.

Simultaneously, Prabhu said his ministry has set up a high-level committee headed by cardiac surgeon Nitu Mandke to study the adverse impact of plastic bags, both original and recycled ones, on human health and the environment. Along with Mandke, eminent persons from the field of health and environment have been appointed on the committee.

At the same time, an inter-departmental committee has been set up to formulate a new policy for the purpose. ``I have asked both committees to submit their reports within ninety days. Based on recommendations of the committee, we will chalk out a new policy on the use of plastic,'' Suresh Prabhu said.