Agartala, Oct 2 (TIWN) In view of its hazardous effect on the environment, the Tripura government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, import, storing, transport, sale and use of plastic carry bags in the state.A public notification was issued here Wednesday banning the plastic carry bags with effect from January 1 instead of Oct 4.

 “The enforcement banning the plastic carry bags was to begin from October 4, but following the request of the trader communities the directive would be effective from January 1, 2014,” an official of the Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) told TIWN.

TSPCB chairman Prof Mihir Deb said :"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."

"For any violation of the ban, the authority would impose a fine of Rs.1 lakh or jail for a maximum term of five years or both,” TSPCB chief told TIWN.

In case of any violation of the government order by any institution or by any industry or by any shop, the TSPCB would issue closure order and would also issue order for disconnection of electricity of that institution or industry or shop.

"The government has been observing that the plastic carry bags are littered around and pose a detrimental effect on the environment," Prof Deb stated.

"The plastic 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. He added these bags arrest the recharging ground water aquifers while harmful chemicals and plastic colours contaminate the soil and water and choke the organisms.

"Irresponsibly trashing of the plastic bags also affects the growth of roots, plants and creatures which causes long-term effect on ecology and environment," Prof Deb observed.