Agartala,Aug 26,(TIWN) Science, Technology and Environment department of the state held a meeting with Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPC) on the issue of banning plastic bags in the state. Final implementation of complete ban on plastic carry bags would start from October 4 next, official of TSPC said on Monday.

Traders and market-authorities from various places of the city have also been ‘involved’ in the drive that is all set to start its journey. Science and Technology minister Bijita Nath said that this is a decision of the Cabinet and would be implemented with effect from next October. Papers and other natural materials would be used instead of plastic carry-bags, sources said.

Tripura has imposed a complete ban on plastic carry bags in the northeastern Indian state in view of its hazardous effect on environment.

“Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Tripura government has imposed the complete ban on the production, import, storing, transport, sale and use of plastic carry bags,” Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) chairman Mihir Deb told press persons on July 24.

A public notification was issued in the state capital banning the plastic carry bags.

Deb said violators would be fined 100,000 rupees or sent to jail for a maximum of five years.

If any institution, industry or shop violates the order, the TSPCB would issue them closure order, besides snapping their electricity connection.

“The government has been observing that the plastic carry bags are littered around and pose a detrimental effect on the environment,” Deb noted. These bags also block gutters, sewers and drains, resulting in unhygienic environment and health-related problems, he added.

According to him, aquatic and terrestrial animals die after consuming the plastic bags. They also arrest the recharging ground water aquifers while harmful chemicals and plastic colors contaminate the soil and water and choke the organisms.