Click to play videoNew Delhi: The environment has started to cause worry to the lawmakers as the High Court has ordered the Delhi government to ban the use of plastic bags in shopping centres.
Delhi government has been ordered to ban the use of plastic bags in main markets, local shopping centres, malls, hotels and hospitals.
In other places, the thickness of plastic bags needs to be increased from 20 to 40 microns and all unlicensed plastic recycling units are to be closed down.
"It's the first initiative of the court to completely ban plastic in certain areas of the Capital," says petitioner V K Jain.
Mumbai allows plastic bags only above 40 microns. And hill stations like Mussorrie and Nainital use only above 70 microns.
However the question remains, will Delhi be able to do it? Consumers
and retailers in the Capital are unsure about the ban.
Experts say, that for the Delhi govt to put out a notification on the ban is the easy part. However, the tough bit will be to implement, monitor and enforce this ban, given that most plastic comes from unorganised sector.
Delhi also has a strong plastic lobby. And despite the present act banning it, plastic less than 20 microns continues to be used.
The Capital collects 700 metric of plastic everyday, which clogs drains and water bodies.
Plastic is also toxic to cattle and fish, not to mention the health hazard it poses when food is stored and consumer in it.
If the ban is implemented, it will surely go a long way in cleaning up the city.
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