The Assam Government has decided to ban single-use plastics beginning on July 1, which include carry bags, earbuds with plastic sticks, etc.
The Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) issued a notification on June 22 ordering all shopkeepers, vegetable and fruit sellers, plastic item dealers, retailers, stockists, and others not to use, sell, or provide single-use plastic products.
Single-use plastics such as the following are prohibited:
Polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration
Wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks
Plastic plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw trays & stirrers
Plastic pr PVC banners less than 100 micron
Plastic carry bags below 75 micron up to 31st December 2022
Plastic carry bags below 120 micron after 31st December 2022
“All shopkeepers, vegetable/fruit vendors, plastic item dealers/retailer/stockists, etc. are directed not to use/sale/offer the above mentioned items otherwise necessary action shall be initiated. This order shall be effective from 1st July, 2022. It may be noted that RAID operation shall be carried out at any time. Co-operation of all concerned is highly solicited,” the order read.
Additionally, the PCBA’s order stated that both routine and unexpected raid operations would take place at enterprises at any given time.
