Tibetans to Join Drive for Polythene Ban in DharamsalaSaturday, 19 December 2009, 5:38 p.m.
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| Say no to polythene products |
Dharamshala:
As part of the complete ban on the polythene bags imposed by the state
government on 2 October this year, Tibetans in Dharamsala will join
local Indians to dispose of non-biodegradable pollutants from their
localities on 21 December.The Himachal Pradesh government will
launch a week-long campaign from 21 December to make the state
plastic-free by removing all polythene bags from residential areas and
hillsides, the chief minister said Tuesday. The state
government imposed a total ban on the production, storage, use, sale
and distribution of all types of polythene bags made of
non-biodegradable materials. The use of paper and jute bags is being
encouraged.The Act has provision for hefty penalty on the
violators including citizens, tourists, traders and commercial
establishments ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. Officials from state
pollution control board, police and other departments have been
empowered to impose fine on the spot on violators. Chief
Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, who is in Dharamsala for Vidhan Sabha
session, will also participate in the polythene disposal movement. All
departments and offices of the Central Tibetan Administration will take
part in the cleanliness campaign under the supervision of health
department. Acting health secretary Sonam Choephel Shosur made the
announcement this afternoon.The cleanliness drive in and around
Gangchen Kyishong, the headquarter of the Central Tibetan
Administration in Dharamsala, will take place for one hour from 8:00 –
9:00 a.m. on Monday morning, following which garbage trucks will carry
the waste for disposal by the district public works department.Similarly,
other Tibetans residing in Dharamsala, will join the action day under
the supervision of Tibetan Settlement Office based in Mcleod Ganj.The
health department has appealed for maximum participation of Tibetans in
the conservation and promotion of healthy environment in the state.
