Polythene banned in six top cities in State from today

Bhubaneswar: As per an earlier direction of the Odisha Government, use of polythene products banned in six cities, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Brahmpaur, Sambalpur and Rourkela, from today. On Saturday, the Forest and Environment Department of the State Government had issued an order banning polythene and certain plastic products in the six cities. As per the order, use of polythene bags, thermocol and similar plastic products has been restricted and no person can sell, trade, manufacture, import, store, carry, transport, use or distribute polythene and single-use plastic. The order stated that no one can carry polythene bags of any shape, thickness and size (excluding compostable), drinking water packed in polythene terephthalate bottles of less than 500 ml capacity and litter any public place with any plastic item. Use of plastic dish, spoon, cup, plate, glass, fork, bowl and pouch has been banned. Vendors will not be allowed to use polythene sheets of less than 50 micron thickness for storing, transporting, dispensing or packaging of any article or commodity or food items, consumables, packaging of milk and milk products and edible oil in sealed manner The order, however, excluded 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, syringe, sample or specimen bags, re-sealable bags, medical instruments and accessories.