The Hindu Business Line, Kolkata June 5, 2007
The West Bengal Government has enforced a ban on plastic bags
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/06/stories/2007060603601100.htm
Times of
All plastic bags banned in
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3986219.cms
In Kolkata, plastic bags of less than 400 microns are banned for the last two years. Full white plastic bags are also banned. The dramatic part of it is that lesser no of bags find there way to the sewers. Since our storm water and soil/waste water systems are the same for the city, as planned by the British, the water-logging problem in Kolkata has almost disappeared in the monsoon. Usually we would have roads with water in it for 3 days after the downpour. Now the water either goes away immediately, or in low-lying areas within 2 to 3 hours. Plastic bags consumption has gone down, recycled paper bags and fashionable jute "big shoppers" are in greater use today. Both are biodegradable, low skill job producing products, reasonably cheap, the jute bags are reusable, and Eco-friendly. Maybe we still have hope.
In Delhi If you are still carrying groceries or vegetables from the market in plastic bags or using them to dispose of your garbage, you run the risk of a jail term or fine, or both. Officials may give you time to find alternatives but the ban on the bag was put in place last Saturday and it covers all shopping areas and big eating joints, hotels and hospitals.
The government wants to discourage the use of bags completely and hence the complete ban.
