Sialkot: Under the supervision of Parliamentary Secretary for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Punjab Kanwal Liaquat, the Environmental Protection Department took strict action against shopkeepers in Daska City for using banned shopping bags and violating the approved 75 micron shopping bag policy and sealed 5 shops.
During the operation, 310 kilograms of banned shopping bags were seized and a total fine of Rs 20, 000 was imposed.
During the operation, a team from the Environmental Protection Department inspected various shops and checked the quality of shopping bags used there and the prescribed micron policy, upon the violation, legal action was taken against the concerned shopkeepers in accordance with the law, and the prohibited shopping bags were confiscated.
On this occasion, Parliamentary Secretary for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Punjab Kanwal Liaquat said that banned shopping bags are enemies of the environment and their use increases environmental pollution. The Punjab government is implementing a zero-tolerance policy to clean the environment and reduce the harmful effects of plastic.
She clarified that the use of shopping bags of less than 75 microns is not acceptable in the province of Punjab and indiscriminate action will be taken against the shopkeepers who violate it.
She added that the action against the banned shopping bags has now entered a decisive stage, so the shopkeepers should abide by the law and ensure the use of eco-friendly alternative shopping bags.
Kanwal Liaquat said that the government is strictly implementing environmental laws and no individual, shopkeeper or business entity will be allowed to violate environmental laws.
The Parliamentary Secretary directed the officers of the Environmental Protection Department to further intensify the campaign against banned shopping bags, conduct regular checks in markets and commercial centers and take strict action against violators as per the law.
Deputy Director Environmental Protection Pakeeza Bukhari, Assistant Director Johar Abbas and Inspector Shahid Dogar were also present during the operation.
The Environmental Protection Department team briefed the shopkeepers on the prescribed standards for plastic shopping bags and environmental laws, making it clear that in case of future violations, legal action including fines, confiscation of goods, and sealing of shops would continue.
