Bhubaneswar Oct 2 (IANS) The Odisha government enforced a ban on the use of plastic in six cities of the state on Tuesday coinciding with the 149th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
A ban on the use of polythene thermocol and other such plastic products has been implemented in Bhubaneswar Cuttack Berhampur Rourkela Sambalpur and Puri.
"No person by himself or another shall knowingly or otherwise sell trade manufacture import store carry transport use or distribute polythene and single-use plastic within the municipal limits or as the case may be within the municipal corporation limits of Bhubaneswar Cuttack Berhampur Sambalpur Rourkela and Puri " an order of the Forest and Environment Department said
The ban however excludes plastic for carrying and transporting garbage and containers like cup for milk products including curd and ice-cream polythene packaging materials used in plant nurseries horticulture agriculture and healthcare sector like medicines blood transportation bags syringes sample or specimen bags re-sealable bags medical instruments and accessories.
The order said that manufacturers dealers and major commercial establishments will have to face a minimum punishment of five years of jail term and fine up to Rs one lakh for flouting the norms.
Small traders could face a penalty of Rs 2 000 to Rs 3 000 for violating the norms.
The concerned district collectors and sub-collectors have been asked to ensure the ban with some flexibility till one month after which action would be taken against the violators.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Ananta Jena said teams comprising officials of the Labour Department BMC Odisha State Pollution Control Board and the Police Commissioner have been formed to ensure the ban on the use of plastic.
"The teams will make people aware against the use of plastic and polythene. Notices have been served on plastic and polythene manufacturing companies while raids will be conducted on godowns where these items are stocked " Jena said.

--IANS cd/mag/vm