Ban on Plastic Bags: SEPA Continues Enforcement Across Sindh on Third Day, Appeals for Public Cooperation

Ban on Plastic Bags: SEPA Continues Enforcement Across Sindh on Third Day, Appeals for Public Cooperation

Karachi: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has continued its enforcement of the plastic bag ban throughout the province for the third consecutive day. The campaign aims to protect the environment from plastic pollution, which remains in the ecosystem for a long time.

Today, SEPA teams visited central and suburban areas of Karachi, including Surjani Town, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Gulshan-e-Mimar, Safora Goth, Jail Chaurangi, Bahadurabad, Tariq Road, Shaheed Millat Road, DHA, and Clifton's supermarkets. Additionally, factories producing plastic bags in Metroville, Site Area, and Baldia Town were served prohibition notices. In all districts of Sindh where SEPA offices exist, field staff have been actively enforcing the ban. These teams include Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Field Supervisors, Inspectors, and Field Assistants.

SEPA teams strictly warned shopkeepers and traders and posted the ban notification in markets. They clarified that plastic bags that do not decompose or only partially decompose in the environment are completely banned. However, plastic bags that fully decompose are exempt from the ban. Nonetheless, cloth bags are being promoted as the best alternative. Traders and shopkeepers who have received notices can no longer claim ignorance of the ban.

SEPA Director General Waqar Hussain Phulpoto stated regarding the campaign, "Initially, violators of the ban are being advised to desist." He added that enforcement of the ban will be ensured through the cooperation of traders and the public. Waqar Phulpoto warned, "Legal action will be taken against those who violate the ban despite prohibition." However, he emphasized that the first approach is to enforce the ban through understanding and dialogue.

The Director General expressed satisfaction that major departmental stores and supermarkets have begun complying with the ban. He assured that traders in middle and lower-income areas will also be brought into compliance. Appealing to the public, Waqar Phulpoto said, "The public is wise enough not to harm the environment for a hundred years just for a few moments of convenience." He clarified that SEPA continues its efforts to raise awareness among the public alongside enforcement.