The Gelegphu Thromde in collaboration with Police and Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) officials are creating awareness on the ban of plastic bags. The ban on use and sale of plastic bags and wrappers will be reinforced from 1st April this year.
The thromde notified all the business entities to refrain from providing plastic bags to their customers. Also, they were asked to switch to using biodegradable bags.
Briefing people on the ban, the officials at the border gate also refrained them from carrying plastics bags into the country from February 14.
Officials collected around 50 kilograms of plastic bags at the border gate on the same day. They also sensitized the people on the impacts of plastic on the environment.
“The reinforcement of plastic ban is not new because the act was already there in place but was not being monitored and implemented properly. Earlier, too we have been advising people not to use plastic bags,” Tikaram Kafley, Gelegphu Thrompon, said.
The Thromde said businesses that are found not in compliance with the reinforcement will be fined Nu 500 for the first offence, Nu 1000 ngultrum for the second offence, and leading to the cancellation of license on the third subsequent violation.
Even individuals will be fined accordingly.
“There are receipts, which Gelegphu Thromde has already issued. We are in the process to give it to RBP too. So anybody with those receipts has authority to fine people starting with minimum rate,” Gelegphu Thrompon said.
Meanwhile, while some welcome the initiative, some are sceptical.
“I am happy since I don’t have to buy plastic bags. I use around 20 kilograms of plastic bags and a kilo of plastic bags costs Nu 160,” Nirmala Chhetri, a vegetable vendor, said.
“For our customers, it is convenient to give plastic bags as even for a packet of maggi, they ask for a plastic bag. It is easier for us too. It would be better if there is a replacement for plastic bags,” Prem Kumar Rai, a shopkeeper, said.
Bhutan banned the use of plastic for the first time in 1999. Following its ineffectiveness, the ban was reintroduced in the year 2005 and again in 2009.
The National Environment Commission issued a notification to reinforce the ban on the use of plastic bags, last month.
