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.
