Authorities In Noida Are Now Distributing Free Cloth Bags To Discourage Plastic Use

The initiative is part of a new ‘Say No To Plastic’ campaign.

Waste management is one of the biggest environmental issues inflicting our country today. A high percentage of this waste is contributed by plastic materials, specifically plastic bags. Sold as loose package materials by businesses and individuals across the country, plastic bags have caused a major setback to our environment by clogging our water bodies and drains. Yet, their usage is so widespread that they continue to infiltrate our personal lives (even after being banned by many state governments). Thus, in order to discourage people from continuing their usage, authorities in Noida have come up with a new plan wherein they will be distributing cloth bags among people for free.

Affordability is one of the biggest reasons why people continue using plastic bags even after being aware of their adverse effects on the environment. Other forms of packing like jute and cotton bags are slightly more expensive than plastic and thus not popular among commoners. In order to bypass this impediment, the Noida Municipal Corporation has launched a new ‘Say No To Plastic’ campaign where they’re promoting the utilisation of cloth bags.

Along with distributing free cotton bags, Noida authorities have also been cracking down on plastic usage by carrying out ‘anti-plastic inspections’. They are also planning to levy a penalty of Rs 5,000 for using plastic carry bags under 40 microns thickness.