The ban on goods made of single-use plastic in Delhi will be implemented from July 1, the environment department ordered

Delhi: The Environment Department of the Delhi government will launch a campaign from July 1 to implement the ban on 19 identified products made of single-use plastic (SUP). The department will take action against all the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and sellers who violate these orders.

A senior Delhi government official said that strict instructions have been given to the parties involved in the manufacture of products made from single use plastic. Apart from these, stock holders, suppliers and distributors have also been asked to stay away from trading in these products. Companies violating this will be closed in the campaign to be run in the first week of July.

19 products made of single-use plastic have been kept under the purview of this ban. These include balloons, flags, candy, plastic sticks used in ice cream, plates made of thermocol, cups, glasses, plastic spoons, forks, knives, saucers, besides the film used in the packaging of sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets. and also includes plastic or PVC banners of less than 100 microns.

The official said that the manufacturers, brand owners, suppliers and stockists registered with the Delhi Pollution Control Board will be inspected regularly. He said that the government will strictly implement the ban on products made from SUP, which are considered harmful for the environment.

Industrial areas and redevelopment areas are being inspected to identify and shut down units manufacturing single-use plastic items illegally, the official said.

The pollution control board has asked the existing stock to be removed by June 30. After that an intensive campaign will be launched from July 1.

The DPCC has asked Shriram Institute of Industrial Research to conduct a survey to identify litter hotspots in the city and quantify the production of plastic waste as it plans to phase out 19 single-use plastic items by June 30. is nearing the deadline. An official said the survey will cover all 11 districts of Delhi and will have to be completed within four months.

The institute is entrusted with the task of surveying all the famous, prominent commercial establishments, malls, market places, shopping centres, cinema houses, restaurants, tourist places, places of worship, colleges, schools, office complexes, hospitals and other institutions.

The official said that the government will organize a three-day fair from July 1 to promote the alternative of SUP items.