HP traders get time till Oct 2 to stop use of plastic cups,plates

HP government is likely grant the traders time till till October 2 to stop the use of disposal plastic cups,plates and tumblers.

To ensure that its concerted campaign towards making Himachal Pradesh the countrys first plastic-free state is not faced with any hurdles,the state government is likely grant the traders time till till October 2 to stop the use of disposal plastic cups,plates and tumblers.

According to a Cabinet decision taken in January,the ban on all types of non-biodegradable materials including disposable plastic products was slated to come into force from August 15. But after the Shimla Beopar Mandal sent a representation to the state government and also held a meeting with Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal,the government has decided to give some time to the traders to exhaust their stock.

Their grievances looked genuine,especially inview of the festive seasons when demand for plastic cups,plates and tumblers grows, said Additional Chief secretary (Environment and Forests) Sudripto Rai.

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Ramesh Chand Sood,president of the Beopar Mandal,said: We have given in writing to the government and also held discussions at different levels in last three days. We are not opposed to the ban but where is the alternative? Unless alternatives are worked out and products packed in plastic and non-biodegradable materials are banned,it is difficult to find a lasting solution.

Earlier,the state government has been successful in implementing a total ban on polythene bags and have event invented a technology to use waste polythene bags in the construction of roads.

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