KOCHI: Carrying a bag while shopping will have to make a comeback when the Ministry of Environment and Forests enforces the rules that ban plastic kits thinner than 40 microns and measuring less than 30cm by 45cm.
A notification was issued urging the public to register their objections and these suggestions will considered to be made into law.
Environmentalists wait for the law to come into force to deter erring officials and local bodies in the state. The circular is likely to be issued in a month’s time and will trickle down to the state governments soon after.
Though the State Government had imposed a ban on sale of plastic kits thinner than 20 microns, the enforcement of the law was poor and did not improve waste management in the state.
Unlike Himachal Pradesh, which imposes a fine of Rs 500 on manufacturers and users of plastic thinner than 20 microns, the situation in Kerala remained the same.
According to the notification, there will be a ban on multi-layered plastic, non-recyclable laminated plastic or metallic pouches, multi-layered packaging and other non-recyclable plastic.
Bio-degradable plastic carry bags, containers and pouches will have to be made as per Bureau of Indian Standards norms, state the guidelines.