LAHORE: Despite the Punjab government’s ban on plastic bags implemented on June 5, their use remains widespread in Lahore. The initial phase of the administration’s “No to Plastic” campaign saw active enforcement, but recent actions have noticeably diminished.
Plastic bags, commonly used in daily life, are a significant contributor to environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable properties. The World Health Organization reports that Pakistan has been consuming approximately 55 billion shopping bags annually over the past five years, with a 15% annual increase.
To address this growing issue, the Punjab government introduced a ban on shopping bags to mitigate environmental damage. International guidelines permit the use of polyethene bags only if they exceed 75 microns in thickness.
Despite this regulatory measure, plastic bag usage persists in Lahore. Some residents have criticized the ban as premature, arguing that a comprehensive public awareness campaign should have preceded the enforcement.
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A recent survey by the Waste Management Company (WMC), which oversees cleanliness in Lahore, revealed that the city generates about 5,000 tons of waste daily, including 400 tons of plastic and shopping bags.
Secretary of Environment Raja Jahangir emphasised the need for both governmental and individual efforts to tackle the issue. He stressed that these bags pose health risks and expressed optimism about achieving significant progress within the next three years.
In the first month of the “No to Plastic” campaign, authorities confiscated over 10,000 kilograms of plastic bags from Lahore and other areas in Punjab, conducting raids at 24,523 locations.