The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today imposed a complete ban on use, sale, purchase and storage of plastic items such as carry bags, plates and spoons along the river Ganga in Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri and Rishikesh till upper areas of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.<br/><br/>A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also imposed 5,000 rupees fine on those violating the order and said the action will be taken against erring officials too. The move was taken to to tackle and prevent pollution of the Ganga.<br/><br/>The NGT passed the direction after noting that despite its earlier order, plastic was being used in these areas causing pollution to the river. The green panel was hearing a plea of environmentalist MC Mehta.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today imposed a complete ban on plastic items like carry bags, plates and cutlery in towns located on the banks of the Ganga river like Haridwar and Rishikesh.<br/><br/>A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also banned the sale, manufacture and storage of such items till Uttarkashi.<br/><br/>The Green Tribunal also imposed 5,000 rupees fine on those violating the order and said the action will be taken against erring officials too.<br/><br/>The NGT passed the direction after noting that despite<br/>its earlier order, plastic was being used in these areas causing pollution to the river. The Green Panel was hearing a plea of environmentalist M C Mehta