The Jharkhand Government imposed complete ban on poly bags all across the State. After the gazette notification issued in this regard, no person would be allowed to use, purchase, sell, store, trade or import the plastic-made carry bags with a thickness below 50 microns.
Informing about the decision after Cabinet meeting, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Kumar said that the decisions had been taken keeping detrimental effects of the poly bags on the environment.
“The Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban completely the plastic bags of less than 50 microns all across the State. No industry producing poly bags would be allowed to run in the State along with complete ban on its trade, import, storage, distribute, sell or purchase,” said the official on Tuesday.
Earlier also, the Forest and Environment Department in association with State Pollution Control Board had imposed the ban but that remained confined only to certain tourist spots, protected wildlife areas or religious places. “This order is for the entire State and not just for some pockets and patches. There are provisions of implementing agencies and penalties to check violation of any kind,” added Kumar.
However, plastic materials used to pack milk and milk produces or plantation would not be considered under the ban. The decision has also identified the Section-15 of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 to act against the violators.
This apart, the Cabinet okayed Jharkhand Transfer of Development Rights Rules, 2017 which would allow RMC to provide additional floor area to the land givers for developing public infrastructure in the city. “If the RMC takes over developmental rights of part of any land for public uses and develops it then the land losers would be given additional benefits for the remaining portion as developed land,” said the official.
Also in the light of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’s visit to lay foundation stone of Ranchi Smart City the Cabinet approved the master plan for the project. 656 acres of the HEC land have been purchased for the purpose. The PSU has been nominated to erect boundary wall also.
In another important decision, the Cabinet has approved the list of 48 essential generic drugs to be supplied to Government medicine stores in hospitals. Five agencies, empanelled by the Centre for this purpose, have been given the task on nomination basis to supply the medicines in the State.
JAS officer Xavier Herenje, who was dismissed for embezzlement of compensation earmarked as Sikh Riots rehabilitation package has been reinstated as per the directions of the High Court. The officer as SDO then had allegedly done undue favour to some particular families with Rs 70.31 lakh. “He would be reinstated and final directions of the High Court would be taken into consideration. However, the Government would restart departmental proceeding against him and the money would be recovered from him,” he said.
The Cabinet also approved 9.78 crore to EESL to replace 956 street lights along Ramgarh-Rajrappa road with LED lights. The facility would be replicated to other tourist routes as well in future.
