Following a petition that the rampant use of plastic bags was destroying the Capital’s environment and also choking the water systems, the High Court banned the use of plastic bags in July last year. Initially, the Delhi government put a partial ban on poly bags only in major shopping areas. After another appeal, the government notified a complete ban on plastic bags in January this year, allowing only biodegradable plastic bags in small commercial areas. Newsline takes a look at the use of plastic bags, despite the ban.

* It has been 9 months since plastic bags have been banned in the city.

* Till date, 30 complaints have been issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

* Of the 30 violations, 10 violations have been found in Rajouri Garden market.

* There are 7 Flying Squads to check for violations. 

* Number of plastic bags distributed along with this year’s Delhi University admission forms: 30,000

* Number of sections violated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for using plastic bags in Delhi: 2 — Section 15 and Section 19.

* The maximum imprisonment one can attract for violating the EPA is 5 years.

* Maximum monetary penalty for violating the EPA is Rs 1 lakh.

* There have been 30 hearings since 2004 on the petition filed by environmental activist Vinod Jain asking for a ban on plastic bags.

* One review petition has been put in by the plastic lobby to revoke the ban.

... contd.