Sambalpur, Sept. 2: The city continues to suffer from the adverse effects of plastic products at a time when several countries across the globe have stopped its production.

Despite a ban on the use of plastic carry bags, it continues to be available aplenty across the city. The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation has decided to intensify drive against the use of plastic bags within its jurisdiction.

The civic body banned the use of plastic bags below 40 microns within its limits from February 15 last year. It conducted regular raids and penalised those flouting the ban, collecting more than Rs 5 lakh as fine since the ban was imposed.

"However, several people still use plastic bags because of the lack of enforcement. Even several tea stalls use plastic cups," said Clean Sambalpur Youth Forum convenor Mohit Nayak.

The civic body's deputy commissioner Sudhanshu Bhoi said: "We have formed a squad to conduct raids to check the use of plastic bags. However, some of the officials in the squad were also engaged in other civic affairs, which affected the drive. We will shortly start conducting raids again."

"We imposed fines on those, who were found using plastic bags below 40 microns. However, according to the new rule, fines will be imposed on those, who carry plastic bags below 50 microns. We will intensify the drive," said Bhoi.

"The civic body should take stringent action against those, who use plastic bags. It should also pay more emphasis on the use of paper bags," said local resident Deepak Kumar Panda.