Koraput: The district administration has decided to ban the use of polythene bags and plastic cups in the town.

It held a meeting on Saturday in this regard with various stakeholders and appealed to town residents and others concerned, including shopkeepers, suppliers and hoteliers, to shun use of polythene bags.

"This is a small step to protect the environment and health of residents as polythene bags below 40 microns are harmful and cause diseases, including cancer. We will strictly implement the ban," said district collector Anupam Saha.

Saha said the administration will launch a 15-day awareness drive in the town from Monday using loudspeakers, posters and pamphlets to sensitise the residents about the new policy. Municipality officials will also hold street meetings with traders and residents to urge them not to use polythene bags."The programme will succeed only with the participation of stakeholders. We will rope in volunteers and form special squads in urban areas to conduct raids at business establishments to ensure the strict implementation of the policy," Saha said.

"Lightweight plastic below 40 micros can move around and choke drains, trap birds and kill livestock apart from causing serious health hazards among humans."

The collector also exhorted the stakeholders to use biodegradable bags such as those made from paper and leaf plates. "Initially, during the awareness drive, we will seize the polythene bags already in circulation. At end of the drive, the violators will be punished with fine," the collector said. He has directed all officials concerned to ensure effective implementation of the proposed ban. The administration, based on the ban's success, will be implemented in the district's other urban areas.

Local residents have welcomed the step, but they remain sceptical about its success. "The administration had, on several occasions in the past, decided to ban the use of polythene bags in urban areas, but it didn't materialise because of faulty implementation. I hope the administration will succeed this time," said Koraput-based activist Ajit Patro.