ISLAMABAD: Despite strict warnings, polythene bags continue to be used by vendors and shopkeepers in the federal capital.

In March, the Ministry of Climate Change revived the campaign to check use of polythene bags in the city. Fines amounting to Rs220,000 were imposed on several shopkeepers for using plastic bags and violating law. Since March, four teams constituted by the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) Director General Farzana Altaf Shah, confiscated plastic bags weighing 300 to 500kg.

Pak-EPA has confiscated over 4,000kg of single-use polythene bags since the law banning its use was promulgated in 2019. The plan was to use the confiscated bags to make benches and dustbins in schools.

The climate change ministry officials have repeatedly pointed out that anyone found using, selling and manufacturing polythene bags would be liable to pay fine. In case of violation of law, an individual would be fined Rs5,000, a manufacturer Rs100,000 and a shopkeeper Rs10,000.

Individuals, manufacturers, shopkeepers to have separate fine slabs for violating law; shortage of staff in Pak-EPA makes it difficult to enforce ban, sources say

While retailers, shopkeepers and manufacturers of polythene bags have been fined, users have been let off with warnings. However, sources in the ministry said under new directives, users would also be fined for not saying no to single-use polythene bags.

Restrictions on the use of single-use polythene bags were relaxed after the outbreak of Covid-19 and plastic bags were back in use as if they were legal to use in Islamabad.

Today corner shops, kiosks and hawkers continue to pack fruits and vegetables risking penalties. Particularly in weekly bazaars, shopkeepers can be seen packing groceries and items of daily use in single-use polythene bags.

According to Pak-EPA Deputy Director Research and Investigation Sadia Munawar, lack of awareness about the hazards of polythene bags to human health and the environment continued to be a major challenge.

“The fact that use of polythene bags is banned in Islamabad but not in Rawalpindi is another challenge. The ban should have been enforced in the twin cities for effectiveness,” Ms Munawar said.

According to sources in the climate change ministry, Pak-EPA is understaffed which is why trouble arises while enforcing the ban. There is only one field assistant for the entire city.

“However, Pak-EPA has put in a request to be equipped with 18 field officers to enforce ban on use of polythene bags,” they added.

Pak-EPA carries out raids with assistance from the district administration often taking media personnel along.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2022