Govt bans use of plastic bags, dumping of debris in public spaces

The Sindh government on Monday issued five separate notifications to ban the use of plastic bags, the dumping of debris in public spaces, and the cutting of roads and footpaths, to declare examination centres as restricted areas, and to announce the closure of unfrequented routes.

Environment Secretary Agha Shahnawaz Khan announced a complete ban on plastic bags across the province from June 15, saying that the ban would be fully enforced, and violators would face strict action.

Khan said the government has taken a revolutionary step to curb environmental pollution by imposing a complete ban on all types of plastic shopping bags throughout the province.

The government notification said the manufacturing, storage, sale and use of all plastic shopping bags would be strictly prohibited. The ban will apply to non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-coloured and recycled plastic bags as well. The cabinet had unanimously approved the proposal during its meeting on April 15, following the recommendations of the environment department.

Subsequently, the government amended the Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products (Manufacturing, Sale & Usage) Rules, 2014, and introduced a complete ban on all plastic shopping bags by revising Rule 3, Sub-rule (5) and Entry No. 1 of the schedule.

In 2019 the government had imposed a partial ban, allowing plastic bags of only specific weight and size under certain conditions. However, those exemptions have now been revoked, and a blanket ban is being enforced.

Khan said plastic bags are hazardous to the environment, and this historic decision has been taken in public interest. “We want to provide a clean, green and safe environment for future generations — the time has come to permanently get rid of plastic.”

He also warned that any violations of the ban would lead to strict legal action, with no leniency. He also urged district administrations, industrialists, traders and the general public to actively participate in this national campaign.

Separately, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi announced a complete ban on debris dumping, and unauthorised placement of construction and raw materials on green belts, public spaces and footpaths within the limits of SITE Sub-Division, District Keamari, from April 25 to June 24.

Naqvi also declared the premises of exam centres as restricted areas for the general public, except candidates bearing valid admit cards and the staff on duty, prohibiting any type of gathering within a radius of 200 yards of the centres from April 30 to May 31.

The notification also banned the operation of photocopiers, the display of weapons, and the use of mobile phones or other electronic devices during the exams.

The commissioner also announced the complete closure of eight unfrequented roads to secure the city and to curb the possible movement of miscreants from April 19 to June 18: (S-3) Soomar Goth, (N-15) Hamdard University, (S-5) Salu Goth, (N-16) Hamdard University, (S-6) Salu Goth, (N-18) Dureji Trash Road, (N-9) Noor Muhammad Goth and (N-14) Hamdard University.

The following routes will remain open for the use of the general public, and inter-provincial transport between Sindh and Balochistan: (S-1) Abbas Goth, Main RCD Highway, (S-2) Murad Goth, (N-10) Aftab Chowk, (S-4) Wadera M Goth, (N-11 & N-12) Mari Chowk, (S-7) Western Bypass Road, (N-13) Band Murad, (S-8) Raees Goth and (N-17) Khuda Bakhsh Goth Link Road.

Naqvi also announced a complete ban from April 21 to June 20 on all road and footpath cutting and digging activities by utility service providers, individuals and projects, except where permissions have been granted in compliance with the guidelines issued by the local government department.