plastic bag ban campaign

The Trinamul board in Siliguri Municipal Corporation resumed its campaign against the use of plastic carry bags across the civic area on Saturday.

Mayor Gautam Deb and some MMICs reached DI Fund Market, one of the largest grocery markets near Mahabirsthan in the city, and campaigned among traders and people in general so that they do not use plastic carry bags.

In Darjeeling district, there is a complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags. However, for the past couple of years, the ban was not enforced strictly across Siliguri.

Councillors in the Opposition alleged that the civic body was not vigilant about preventing the use of such bags.

Sujay Ghatak, a Congress councillor, flagged the issue on Friday at an SMC meeting.

On Saturday, the mayor said they would conduct regular drives to discourage traders and residents from using plastic carry bags. “We will also keep a tab on the industrial units which make plastic carry bags,” said Deb.

In due course, the SMC will impose fines too, said an source.