NGT bans use of plastic bottles and bags in Haridwar

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal on Thursday imposed a complete ban on plastic bags in the pilgrimage towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh, slamming the authorities for lackadaisical attitude in keeping the Ganga clean, warning of action against those violating the order. 

The NGT expressed displeasure at the "pathetic" state of affairs prevailing on the bank of river Ganga and castigated the authorities for lackadaisical approach on the issue, as it pronounced the order to make the Ganga pollution- free to allow devotees to take a dip and collect clean water and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 per violation. 

"There shall be complete prohibition on plastic in the entire Haridwar and Rishikesh, particularly on the banks and flood plains of river Ganga. Plastic will not be used for any purpose whatsoever i.e for serving food, commodities, packing items etc. 

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Whether it is permissible to charge consumers for plastic bags?

So far as the contention of the petitioner that the corporates are charging the consumers for the bags is concerned, this argument has no substance as the corporates or the shop owners or the dealers in various commodities are giving an option to the consumers as to whether they want to purchase plastic bag or not. If the consumer wants to purchase the bag only then he is provided with the bag wherein he can keep his goods purchased by him. Otherwise, there are no charges levied on the consumer by the corporates or shop owners. Since it is optional, it is always open to the consumer not to buy carrybag made of 40 microns plastic. For the aforesaid reasons, the writ petitions lack merit and are dismissed accordingly.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT

Writ Petition (PIL) Nos. 274 and 244 of 2012

Decided On: 14.11.2014

Appellants: Consumer Education and Research Society 
Vs.
Respondent: Municipal Commissioner and Ors.

Hon'ble Judges/Coram:V.M. Sahai, Actg. C.J. and R.P. Dholaria, J.

 Citation: AIR2015Guj54

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