Udaipur, Jul 18 (UNI) The Gomati District Administration has taken various initiatives in order to plastic free Tripura by August 15.
DM, Collector of Gomati District T.K Debnath and other district officers have started raids in shops to inspect if the shopkeepers are using any plastic bags or not.
“Plastic waste damages marine life, contaminates soil and clogs drains. The environment department is taking measures to free the state of plastic bags by August 15”, said Sudip Roy Barman, the state science, technology and environment minister in a meeting.
In course of conversation with UNI, Bishu Karmakar, Scientist, DDO & HoD, Tripura State Pollution Control Board said,'the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Tripura issued a notification for the effective control on use of unauthorized plastic carry bags, pollution cost will be applied in different manners. The punishable fine will start from Rs 1000 to 3000 for Permanent Shopkeepers and Temporary shopkeepers will be charged Rs 500 to 1500. Meanwhile, the customer or buyer caught with plastic carry bag will be charged Rs 100.'
The pollution cost will be imposed by the officer as rank of Assistant Sub- Inspector of Police under control of SDPO in each Sub-Division and also imposed by the Authorized Officers. The amount collected as ‘Pollution Cost’ will be centrally deposited in the saving account which is in favour of Member Secretary, Tripura State Pollution Control Board to utilize the fund for the purpose of environment up-gradation in the state Tripura.
The notification issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Tripura directed, “Manufacturers, stockiest and transporters of unauthorized plastic carry bags are able to face prosecution and other regulatory order as confirmed under Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Rules made there under, apart from the aforementioned payment of pollution cost”.
The Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Tripura has directed local police to co-operative during raids conducted by the Authorized Officers and also directed to take necessary action in accordance with law.
UNI XC RN