Plastic ban enforced in six cities of Odisha

A ban on sale, storage and manufacture of plastic came into force in six cities of Odisha Tuesday, on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary, a senior official said here.

The state government has set a target of making the state plastic-free over the next two years, he said.

"In the first phase, the ban has been enforced in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Rourkela and the seaside town of Puri. The administration has been asked to ensure that the order is enforced in the cities in line with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's instructions," he stated.

The CM had said in July that plastic prohibition would come into effect across the state over the next two years.

According to the state government's directive, no one will be able to sell, manufacture and import or stock plastic and polythene items once the ban comes into force.

Also, drinking water pouches, plastic water bottles with less than 500 ml capacity, polythene bags, disposable plastic .