Sambalpur, Jan. 1: The Jharsuguda district administration has imposed a ban on the use of polythene carry bags and other polythene products below 50 micron in the district from January 1 in an effort to reduce pollution.

Jharsuguda district collector B. Patnaik said: "We have done adequate publicity to create awareness among people about the adverse effects of the use of polythene. The ban on the use of polythene has been imposed from today in the entire district."

The district collector said a squad would be formed to enforce the ban.

"We have also discussed the matter with the merchants' association and asked them to stop using polythene carry bags that are less than 50 micron thick. We will identify the source from where the polythene carry bags are being procured, and stop supply from there," said Patnaik.

Chairperson of Jharsuguda Municipality Harish Ganetra said: "We had organised a rally on December 24 to create awareness among people and appeal them to stop using polythene carry bags. Moreover, announcements were made appealing to the people not to use polythene carry bags from January 1. We will also propagate the ban on the use of the polythene carry bags, plastic glasses, cups and other polythene products in the district at the Zilla Mahotsav, begins today."

"A decision has also been taken to slap fines on shops and business establishments that are found using polythene carry bags below 50 micron within the Jharsuguda municipal limits," added Ganetra.

The ban imposed by the district administration has been welcomed by the people of the district.

"This is a good decision. But the district administration should take adequate steps to implement the ban properly. It should not restrict itself to announcements only," said a resident of Jharsuguda, Rajiv Singh.

"Polythene harms the environment. Citizens and the traders should learn to use alternatives. If shops and business establishments stop using polythene bags, the district it will help. The district administration should also devise a plan to check the import of polythene products from neighbouring districts," said Singh.