REASI: To ensure strict implementation of ban on polythene bags in Reasi, administration here has decided to implement a two-pronged strategy that involves penalizing its sellers and users as well as starting an awareness campaign. “On the one side, punitive action will be taken against polythene bag sellers and users and on the other side, awareness programme will be started,” said, District Development Commissioner Reasi-Sushma Chauhan, while chairing a meeting of officers at Reasi.
The meeting was called to work out the strategy to implement the ban strictly and take action against offenders. In the meeting it was decided that frequent market checking would be conducted and the officers will submit timely reports certifying no polythene carry bags are being used in the areas of their jurisdiction. Chauhan stressed on strict monitoring and stringent action under law against the violators.
She added using polythene bags is not only a threat to the environment but also cause water logging chocking of drains and sewerage pipes creating unhygienic conditions due to overflowing of dirty water. Chauhan called upon officers to sensitize the general public on the issue, adding that NGOs and prominent citizens have a vital role to aware people about ban on the use of Polythene Cary Bags which are made of Non-Biodegradable material and motivate them to use the bags made of Biodegradable material to carry their commodities.
She asserted ban on polythene bag use cannot be implemented fully unless and until community and civil society extend active cooperation to the administration in cutting its use.