No More Polythene Bags In New DelhiNew Delhi is set to follow in footsteps of Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh by introducing bill to BAN USE OF ALL PLASTIC BAGS in the National Capital Region (NCR).
 Sheila Dixit government in Delhi has finally decided to ban the use of all plastic bags after the previous law to use thinner plastic was disregarded. The drastic measure comes after environmentalists encouraged the government to take action against the vast amount of polythene waste being produced.
Approximately 10 million plastic bags are used, and discarded daily by 16 million residents in the city and suburbs. This in turn has led to the streets becoming cluttered with the non-biodegradable waste, sewage pipes being chocked which in turn blocks water flow through the pipes and create a suitable breeding grounds for mosquitoes responsible for malaria and dengue.
The law comes under section five of the Environment Protection Act of 1986. According to the Act, usage, sale or storage of any kind of plastic bags is forbidden. The new ban applies to five star hotels, restaurants, dairies, fruits and vegetables outlets and all shopping malls.
There is evidence that prohibition of plastic bags can work and this is certainly a welcome move by the Government, despite the displeasure of business men who have complained about rising cost and extra expenditure they would have to incurr to get eco- friendly alternatives such as jute bags or paper bags.
In fact - this ban would revive the dying small scale industry of paper and jute bag manufacturers and perhaps generate good revenue - apart from giving clean air and free flowing drainage system. 
Countries such as Rwanda, Bhutan and Bangladesh have all had bans enforced - and the results are encouraging to follow this act all over India!
So next time you step out of your house and carry a plastic bag - beware, you may be committing an offence that is punishable by over a lakh of Rupees or five year term in jail. Now that you know - It's your choice - to be on the right side of law, or to violate and face the consequences. Our humble request would be - to be on the right side for a change!
Related news items reported earlier:
Delhi: 1. Traders withdraw plea in SC against Delhi ban on polythene bags Chandigarh: Jammu & Kashmir: 1. Polythene ban comes into force | 
