Plasticy ban
The ministry of trade and industry banned the use/sale of plastic carry bags, doma (paan) wrappers and ice cream pouches with effect from June 2, 1999. Any trader found selling/using plastic bags are liable to a fine of Rs 500 for the first offence, Rs 10,000 if caught for the second time and cancellation of the trade licence for subsequent violation.
This kind of legislation, one would suppose, is likely to result from overuse of plastic and the resulting menace. But in the case of Bhutan, it was more of awareness of the implications and the "lesson from the West' which resulted in a proactive step.
"In Thimpu, the use of plastics has only just begun. The ban is a result of awareness about what other countries are facing,' says Lam Dorjee of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). "The public has not resented the decision at all though I cannot say for sure that everyone has stopped using plastic bags,' he adds.
RSPN began with an awareness campaign among schoolchildren and distributing paper bags. Most of the campaigns were Thimpu-centric because the decision-makers live in the capital. "Policymakers soon understood the problem and look the decision to ban its use,' says Dorjee. However, there are many things which still comes wrapped in plastics.
"At present, we are only thinking in terms of doma -wrapping and shopping bags, but the law needs to be more specific. Though it is not so important right now, the future impact has to be kept in mind,' says Dorjee. In any case, he adds, "I would consider the use of plastic bags a luxury. It is something that can be done away with.'