The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday (August 10) banned the manufacture and storage of polythene bags in Delhi.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by All India Plastic Industries, against the claim by the Government of NCT of Delhi saying that pollution in the capital was increasing with the increasing use of plastic, especially plastic carry bags that clog drains. Also, being non bio-degradable, they release harmful toxins into the air, further polluting the atmosphere.

Rejecting the appeal by the industry body, the NGT imposed the ban, taking into consideration the environmental degradation angle.

The NGT also asked concerned authorities to submit a complete report in one week.

—India Legal Bureau