Ban on plastic bag use from June 5

LAHORE:The Punjab government has decided to launch environment-friendly initiatives on the eve of Earth Day 2024, scheduled for April 22.

The celebration of Earth Day will be widespread across divisions and districts throughout Punjab, signifying the commencement of the ‘No to Plastic’ campaign. As part of this initiative, the CM has endorsed a comprehensive ban on plastic bag usage, effective from June 5, 2024.

During a review meeting on environment-friendly initiatives led by CM Punjab, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the campaign's objective to enhance public awareness regarding the severe health risks associated with plastic pollution. She stressed the urgency of banning the production, distribution and usage of polythene bags, citing their detrimental environmental impact and contribution to respiratory ailments and other life-threatening conditions.

It was resolved that department heads and deputy commissioners would ensure strict enforcement of the plastic bag ban within their offices and jurisdictions. Additionally, educational institutions will conduct special lectures and workshops to educate the general public about the health hazards of plastic. Moreover, a special ‘No to Plastic’ awareness campaign will be launched on Earth Day, using both mass media and social media platforms. The senior minister appealed to the general public to switch to cloth and paper bags as alternatives to plastic, emphasising their role in disease prevention. She urged businesses, shopping malls, restaurants, and bakery owners to participate in the campaign, thereby promoting public health and reducing environmental pollution. She advised against the use of plastic bags and containers for food and beverages at home to safeguard personal health. Highlighting the media's crucial role in raising awareness about environmental and health issues, she emphasised the need for citizens and media cooperation for the campaign's success. She concluded by reiterating the chief minister's directive, emphasising the June 5 deadline for the complete ban on plastic bag usage.

Over Rs13.6m disbursed among various applicants

The district accounts officer, CEOs of district health & education authorities, municipal corporation, chief engineer (central zone), building department, rescue 1122 and chairman district benevolent fund board have disbursed more than Rs13.6 million to various applicants in compliance with the orders of Ombudsman Punjab Maj (retd) Azam Suleman Khan.

In a statement issued here Thursday, the spokesperson said that 13 applicants from different districts submitted applications to the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab, stating that despite multiple attempts to obtain family pensions, monthly assistance and other dues from relevant departments, they have failed to get their legal right.