Chandigarh: Ban on plastic will be implemented from July 1

Chandigarh: In a bid to reduce the use of single-use plastic items and promote sustainability, the municipal corporation (MC) has decided to impose hefty fines on shopkeepers, traders and citizens from July 1. Straws, plastic bags and disposable cutlery have long been identified as major contributors to environmental degradation, posing a major threat to the planet’s health. Under the rules, violators will be fined heavily for their first offence. Repeat violators will face harsher penalties, including temporary or permanent closure of their businesses. To ensure compliance, the MC has deployed a team of inspectors who will conduct regular checks at its mandis, grocery stores and other businesses that use or sell single-use plastic items. MC commissioner Anindita Mitra said the corporation is committed to ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for our residents. The ban on single-use plastic is an important step towards achieving this goal, and we strongly encourage citizens to support our efforts by bringing their own cloth bags when shopping.