*Ratan Lal's picture shows a shopkeeper using cotton bags in Ranchi on Saturday

By banning plastic carry bags,the state government led by Chief Minister Raghubar Das has evoked a positive response from among the people and motivated people to use cotton bags.

After the state government's order was issued on September 5,complete ban on use of plastic carry bags had remained in files.Many shop keepers and buyers continued to use plastic carry bags.This was the scene prevalent across the state where the government had decided to put an end to manufacturing,import,shortage,transportation,storage and use of plastic.    

 

The state government order had made it clear that the plastic containers used for carrying food items,milk and milk products packaging and plants of the nursery would not be considered as plastic carry bag and those violating the norms would be punished under Section 15 of Environment Protection Act 1986.

Months after its decision,the state government body-Ranchi Municipal Corporation has actively launched raids.Its enforcement officers searched 16 shops and imposed a fine of Rs 16,000 on their owners on Thursday-Friday.The shop owner inside Nucleus Mall was hit hard as they imposed a fine of Rs 500 on him.

 

Since the RMC City Commissioner has authorised enforcement authorities to enter into any shop and launch raid,fear has gripped shop owners,customers and buyers.As a result,many of them were spotted using cotton carry bags in Ranchi on Friday-Saturday."Though affected by it,we are happy to start using cotton or paper carry bags",said Sudhakar Kumar,a businessman,echoing the sentiments of common man in Ranchi.

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