The government has now imposed the ban as per provision of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, under which violators could face imprisonment up to five years and fine of up to Rs one lakh or both.
"The ban on plastic bags will come into effect tomorrow. All the concerned agencies have been told to ensure implementation of the ban," Delhi Chief Secretary P K Tripathi said.
Environment department officials said the use of plastic cover or pouch to pack magazines, invitation cards and greeting cards will also be prohibited. They said initially government will only focus on plastic carry bags and will not target packaged food and materials.
They said authorities like civic bodies, NDMC, Environment Department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee will implement the ban.
Though Delhi Cabinet had decided to go for imposing the ban on September 11, a notification for implementation of the decision was issued a month back giving a deadline of November 22 to stop manufacture, sale, storage and use of the plastic bags.
As per the notification, no person including shopkeepers, vendors, wholesalers, retailers and hawkers will be allowed to sell, store or use plastic carry bags for supply of any goods.
Plastic carry bags for use, as specified under the BioMedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, will not be covered under the ban. MORE
