Source: morungexpress.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Uttarakhand government is planning to ban single-use plastics in all government offices in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are in the process of banning single-use plastics in all government offices including the Secretariat,\u201d said a top government official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through this initiative, the use of plastic glasses, folders, bottles, cups and other plastic items will be banned in government offices, he added.<\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is our first step, we will see the response and then decide about taking further action,\u201d said the official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In another eco-friendly initiative, the government made it mandatory to convert biodegradable waste into compost in all government residences in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources said that a couple of government officers have already started this process at their residences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese initiatives may be small but through them we want to send a message of making Uttarakhand environment-friendly,\u201d said S.P. Subudhi, Member Secretary of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB).<\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the government\u2019s resolve to enforce a complete ban on single-use plastic bags has still not been implemented completely as plastic bags are freely available in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have directed all district magistrates to ensure enforcement of the order to stop the use of plastic bags,\u201d said a top government official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uttarakhand is the third state after Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh to enforce a ban on plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 2017, the government issued an order banning manufacture, distribution and sale of polythene bags and single-use plastic cutlery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This followed an Uttarakhand High Court ruling in December 2016 which ordered a blanket ban on sale, purchase and use of plastic.<\/p>\n