AGARTALA, July 13 (TIWN): To reinforce the ban on plastic carry bags in the state by January 2016, Science, Technology and Environment department minister Bijita Nath on Monday said after holding meeting with Tripura State pollution control board at Birchandra state Library. Nath said though the state government has imposed a total ban on the manufacture, import, storage and sale of plastic bags in view of its harmful affect on the environment, thin plastic bags are yet in use throughout the state due to some mysterious reasons. More awareness program are to be organized, all schools are required to generate awareness in the localities on Sundays and holidays. More advertisements is to be issued in newspapers and television channels, she said. Minister Bijita Nath further urged the police official to conduct frequent raids for curbing the use of plastic bags in the markets. The government of Tripura issued ban on plastic carry bags up to the thickness of 40 micron in January 2014 but even after the order the use of plastic bag is still continued in the state. However, DSP (Central) Rajendra Datta pointed that strict vigilance are to be taken at Churaibari and Akhaura Check post to restrict imports of plastic carry bags. Apart, strict vigilance are also to be conducted during the festive season.

The ban was imposed due to several health effects and environmental effects hampering the healthy livelihood of the people of the state.

Blame it on official apathy but polythene bags are being openly used in the land-locked state Tripura with impunity. Even though a ban was imposed on the use of polythene bags in 2014, it has not been enforced in true letter and spirit. Even as much hue and cry has been raised by environmentalists who caution that excessive dumping of plastic bags in the city would gradually lead to fertile land turning barren and pure water streams getting impure, the authorities concerned have failed to address the issue.

However, it is decided that the implementation target date for complete banning of selling, storing and using of plastic carry bags is fixed on January 31, 2016 and the next review meeting might be held on 16 November 2015 to take a stock of the present condition on the use of plastic bags.