LAHORE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab is set to initiate a comprehensive crackdown on single-use plastics starting December 10, 2024. This move is part of strengthened measures to curb plastic pollution across the province.
The EPA has issued revised regulations introducing stricter penalties for violations. Offenders could face fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, along with potential sealing of premises and confiscation of banned materials. The updated law imposes a complete prohibition on the manufacturing, storing, selling, purchasing, and using plastic bags thinner than 75 microns.
Formation of Plastic Management Committees
A key feature of the amended legislation is the establishment of “Plastic Management Committees” in every district. These committees will consist of officials from 12 departments and be led by the district’s Deputy Commissioner. Their role includes enforcing the ban, providing legal support to manufacturers, and promoting public awareness.
According to EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir, these committees will collaborate with public representatives and promote alternatives to plastic bags. Strict action will be taken against factories producing substandard plastic products.
Awareness Campaigns and Implementation Strategies
The EPA has also launched directives to enhance media outreach and public awareness campaigns. District officers have been instructed to coordinate with Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers to ensure effective enforcement of the revised laws.
The amended legislation under the Single-Use Plastic Production and Consumption Act 2023 requires factories producing plastic bags to register, with a revised registration fee now in effect. This ensures better monitoring and compliance within the manufacturing sector.
Sajid Bashir noted that the public, retailers, and wholesalers were given sufficient time to transition away from single-use plastics. “We are focusing on proactive measures to eliminate single-use plastic while promoting eco-friendly alternatives,” he said.
This initiative represents a significant step toward reducing plastic waste in Punjab and fostering sustainable practices across communities.
