Newztrack Reality Check: Polythene bags still in vogue

Ashutosh Tripathi

Lucknow: In compliance with the Allahabad High Court order, Uttar Pradesh government completely banned the use of plastic or polythene bags in the state effective December 31, 2015. The idea was to ensure health and hygiene of the citizens but sadly the government was found wanting in the execution.

As the complaints of use of polythene came pouring in, the newztrack.com did a reality check in the shops, malls and markets and found the even the polythene bags are in use even in Aminabad, Sadar Bazaar or Hazratganj, the biggest markets of the state capital.

Shopkeepers say they can’t help using poly-bags:

When newztrack.com had spoken to few storekeepers, they said that the usage of polythene bags could not be stopped as customers demanded carry bags and polythene bags were still the most economic and the best option.

Some facts on the recent ban in Uttar Pradesh:

• The polythene ban, in the state, prohibits manufacturing, importing, purchasing and storage of all kinds of plastic bags
• According to the ban, no shopkeeper, wholesaler or retailer would be able to use, store or purchase plastic bags
• The Akhilesh Yadav government was also looking for an alternative material that could be used for carrying purpose but they apparently failed.
• According to the Allahabad High Court order, anyone violating the ban would be fined Rs 5,000.