Punjab to ban single-use plastic from July

CHANDIGARH: With an aim to safeguard the environment, the Punjab government on Sunday announced to impose a ban on single-use plastic from July.

The decision was announced by secretary, science, technology and environment Rahul Tewari during a virtual state-level function to mark World Environment Day 2022.

Tewari announced to set up 55 STPs across the state to reduce water pollution levels as well as using the treated water for cultivation and other allied activities. Sharing the details about initiatives of state government to convert fossil fuel-based industrial units into natural gas-based units, he mentioned that the state government has started online monitoring of industrial units by installing state of the art meters in industrial units as well as online monitoring stations to check water and air pollution level.

Setting up the target of planting 1.20 crore saplings this year, Rahul Tewari said that the state was ready with Climate Action Plan 2.0 to reduce carbon emissions.

In another initiative, the secretary announced to institutionalise Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab state environment award for outstanding contribution towards environment protection and conservation of precious natural resources of the state.

Tewari said that this award will be a recognition of the outstanding hard work done by individuals/organisations for the preservation of natural resources.

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