Thin plastic bags come back in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The manufacture and sale of plastic carry bags below 40 microns was banned by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation a few months ago, citing environmental conditions. But many shops continue to supply the bags, which are cheaper than the alternatives, right under the nose of the authorities.

Mr Jeetender Patel, a shop owner, said manufacturing companies are still making the thinner bags and distributing them. “We purchase them from the manufacturer and sell them to retailers in bulk," he said.

Mr Kishan Singh, the owner of a sweetmeat shop, said, “A few months ago the GHMC authorities raided many shops and seized carry- bags below 40 microns and issued challans. But after some days, the bags were back in the market and from that time till now, nobody has even asked about it."

The fine for a first time offender is Rs 10,000, and Rs 25,000 for the second time. If caught for a third time, the establishment will be shut down and its goods seized.

Mr Ram Kumar, who runs a shop in Nampally, emphasised the price difference: “We get one pack of carry bags for Rs 15 which consists of at least 80 covers, but the good quality carry bags are for Rs 90 which consists of 150-170 covers."

Asked about the supply of the bags, GHMC commissioner Dr B. Janardhan Reddy said, "Food inspectors have been instructed to check shops and establishments for supplying carry bags below 40 microns. If we find any manufacturer guilty, action will be taken against them.”