The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a report from Environment Protection Agency (EPA) by February 28 about compliance of a ban on use of plastic bags at mega stores.
"There should be no plastic bags at stores after a week," the court directed the EPA. Taking up another matter, the court allowed two more weeks to the petroleum ministry to finalise process for adoption of Euro IV & V standards diesel and petrol fuels.
A federal government lawyer told the court that the policy to adopt environment friendly fuels was in final stage.
The court also sought a report from Traffic, Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) on a plan for roads of the city and encroachment. The EPA was also directed to submit a report on progress in steps taken for water treatment and recycling. The court on February 7 last, had given a two-week time to the departmental stores to shift to alternate modes.
Earlier the counsel of the petitioner complained that the order of the court had not been implemented in letter and spirit. A law officer of the EPA told the court that steps were being taken to enforce the ban in light of the order. A lawyer appeared on behalf of polythene bags manufacturers and sought court's permission to become a party in the case. He said they were also in favor of banning the hazardous plastic bags. He said the manufacturers had started producing biodegradable bags but had been facing harassment by the government.
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