SMC to make two markets model plastic-free zones

The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to choose two prominent markets in the town to transform them into model plastic-free areas. A task force will be set up to ensure proper monitoring of the same at the ground level.

There is a blanket ban on plastic carry bags in the Siliguri sub-division since 2015. Since July 1 last year, the manufacture, import, storage, distribution, sale and use of many single-use plastic items have also been banned across the country.

Green activists and nature lovers representing around 30 organisations have demanded proper reinforcement of the ban on such carry bags. They have demanded that Siliguri be declared a plastic carry bag-free zone on World Environment Day on 5 June.