Office of District Public Relations Officer, Batala
Strict warning to traders and wholesalers dealing in plastic bags – Legal action to be taken under Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016
Batala, 04 September 2025 Fact Recorder
Punjab Desk: Shri Vikramjit Singh Panthe, SDM-cum-Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Batala, stated that due to continuous heavy rainfall in the past few days, water has accumulated on several roads and streets of Batala city. Today, during an inspection of the city in the rain, it was observed that plastic carry bags scattered on the streets and roads were washed away with the rainwater and entered the sewer lines through side drains. This caused blockages in sewer lines and roadside drain covers, resulting in waterlogging on streets and roads.
The Commissioner further said that if the use of plastic carry bags is completely banned, then during the rainy season water will not accumulate on the roads and streets of Batala city. Moreover, it will also ease the management and disposal of solid waste.
He mentioned that repeated appeals have been made to traders and wholesalers dealing in plastic bags to stop their sale, but the practice continues openly, which is legally wrong. Under Rule 4(2) & 4(1)(3) of the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016 (as amended), the use of plastic carry bags is strictly prohibited.
The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Batala, issued a stern warning that paper bags should be used instead of plastic ones. He also added that if any institutions organize community meals (langars), they must use biodegradable leaf plates (pattals), which decompose quickly in soil without harming the environment, soil, or water.
Once again, an appeal is being made to completely stop the use of plastic carry bags.
