UP: Quintals of banned polythene and plastic material seized in Lucknow

The LMC on Monday seized quintals of prohibited polythene bags and other plastic material from a godown in Dubagga area.

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Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to shun use plastic and also suggested shopkeepers provide eco-friendly bags to their customers, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) began a drive against use of banned polythene and plastic bags. The LMC on Monday seized quintals of prohibited polythene bags and other plastic material from a godown in Dubagga area.

Speaking to media, Mukesh Tiwari who is a member of Enforcement Task Force of the LMC, said, "Polythene below 50 micron has been banned but many shopkeepers and vendors are still using them in selling essentials. We have again started a drive and our team is imposing a fine on shopkeepers and traders who are violating the directive."

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"Today we have seized quintals of banned polythene bags, plastic and thermocol material that include glasses, cups, plates, and spoons from a godown. We will get an FIR registered against the people who have stored the prohibited material," he added.

He further added that a fine of Rs 25,000 will be imposed if banned polythene is recovered from any shop in Lucknow.

"The fine varies depending on the quantity of the material seized. We will continue this drive. PM Modi urged citizens to give up single-use plastic and avoid the use of polythene bags by October 2 in his Independence Day speech. The LMC will contribute to his vision of preventing environmental degradation," the LMC official said.

A similar drive was conducted by the LMC team in Dandaiya market in Lucknow on Saturday where many shopkeepers were fined for keeping polythene and plastic material that has been banned by the state government.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government recently sought a report from district magistrates, municipal commissioners, and other officials within three days on non-compliance of the ban on plastic in the state capital. A list of traders has also been sought who are selling banned plastic.

The officials have been asked to inform representatives of traders in writing and talk to peoples' representatives about the plastic ban. After August 31, if there is any report of sale of banned plastic, strict action will be taken against the SHO, Municipal Corporation and other officials concerned.