KARACHI, Nov 12: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has decided to promulgate an ordinance regulating the manufacture, sale and use of plastic bags for reasons that the article is a source of nuisance, sewage system blockade and various other problems.

In this regard, Secretary Environment and Alternate Energy Shamsul Haq Memon gave a presentation to the governor on managing polythene waste.

The governor directed the Environment and Alternative Energy Department to prepare an ordinance to regulate the sale and use of polythene bags. The ordinance would standardize the allowable size and thickness of the bags. It would be recommended that the bags should not be below 30 microns and shorter than 10x14 inches.

The manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers resorting to defy the ban would be booked and could face up to the three-month imprisonment and/or Rs50,000 fine.

The food-safe PE bags which have no undesirable effect have been recommended as a substitute to polythene bags.—APP