CM ordered crackdown against manufacturing and use of plastic bags

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has ordered a crackdown against manufacturing and use of plastic bags throughout the province in addition to imposition of ban of new constructions in tourist spot, ‘Mahodhand Kalam.’

The Chief Minister expressed his concern and displeasure over the ongoing use of plastic bags in various parts of the province adding that relevant laws should be brought into use at once in order to curb the menace which has cost hefty not only in terms of environmental pollution but also by threatening human lives and biodiversity in the province.

The Chief Minister also directed the administration to take stern measures against all those factories who manufacture plastic without using biodegradable materials in addition to imposing heavy fines on people involved in importing plastic bags from other provinces.

While chairing a meeting on promotion of tourism in the province, the Chief Minister directed the Information & Public relations department to start an awareness campaign highlighting the relevant laws and penalties against the use of plastic bags in order to warn the manufacturers and shopkeepers in addition to educating the masses on the negative impacts of plastic bags on environment and biodiversity.

The Chief Minister further directed the Information & PRs Department to undertake measures in cooperation with the District Administrations for promoting the use of biodegradable shopping bags. The meeting was also attended by Senior Minister for Tourism Atif Khan, Minister for Information Shaukat Ali Yousafzai, Minister for Local Government Shehram Khan Tarakai, Minister for C&W Akbar Ayub, Chief Secretary Muhammad Saleem Khan and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shahab Ali Shah.

 Mahmood Khan issued directives to the District Administration to extend the crackdown campaigns against plastic bags manufacturers so that its production and use may be curtailed at source.

 The Chief Minister stated that, “Use of plastic bags is having negative impacts on the tourism industry as it is one of the major cause that is affecting the natural beauty and tourist spots of the province.”

The Chief Minister also directed the District Administrations to ensure the availability of biodegradable shopping bags throughout the province.