Himachal Cabinet gets tuff on plastic ban

By: Ravinder Makhaik

Shimla: Himachal cabinet consented to strictly implement the H.P.Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 and impose a complete ban over the use of plastic and its products from 15th August, 2009, extend national health insurance scheme to the whole state and modified the relief plan for people effected by cement plants.

The complete ban of plastic would come into effect after issuance of an notification. Shop-keepers, stockist, trader, retailer and vendors dealing in plastic bags of different sizes and other disposable items like plastic cups, glasses and plates will be allowed to carry on with their marketing activities after the notification of banning the same, a cabinet spokesman detailed. Violations would carry a penal fines.

The national health insurance scheme has been extended to remaining 10 district, providing smart card based health cover to all 2,98,291 families classified as below poverty line. The scheme shall be funded on a 75:25 basis by the centre and state.

Presided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved model relief and rehabilitation policy for implementation to compensate the people affected by setting up of cement plants in the state. Henceforth, land for project would be transferred or acquired at mutually agreed price between the company and land owners, a family rendered houseless would need to be provided a built up house on a 150 by 80 meter site.

Approval for a community led assessment, awareness, advocacy and action programme for environment protection and carbon neutrality was granted to Delhi based Development Alternatives.

The cabinet gave it’s not for creation of a separate directorate to undertake health regulation and safety hospital management services more effectively and deliver people quality and prompt services in a more professional manner.