May 1: Madhya Pradesh to ban polythene bags

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj singh Chouchan announced a total ban on  Polythene bags in the state from May 1.

The chief minister said that cleanliness campaign is being undertaken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state. One of the prime obstacle in keeping cities clean is the use of polythene and that is the reason it will be banned from the month of May, said Chouhan, adding anybody caught using polythene will be penalised.

“Instead of polythene which is harmful for the environment, paper and cloth will be used,” he said after hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day celebrations, on Thursday.

Earlier, in December, the chief minister had said that ban on polythene will be enforced with effect from January 1 at tourist destinations and holy cities of Ujjain, Amarkantak, Khajuraho, Pachmarhi, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar and Orchha.