RAWALPINDI: In a move aimed at facilitating the registration of plastic-related businesses and promoting environmental compliance, the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department has established a registration desk in the garrison city.

Located at Raja Bazaar, the desk is a joint initiative by the department’s teams from Lahore and Environment Protection Agency Rawalpindi, working in collaboration with the district administration. This effort is designed to make the registration process smoother and more accessible for local businesses dealing with plastic products.

“We are committed to providing a supportive environment for businesses while ensuring adherence to environmental standards,” stated Mudassir from the plastic cell unit. “This registration desk at Raja Bazaar will serve as a helpful resource for businesses seeking to comply with regulations.”

To ensure coordination and support, representatives from the plastic unit cell in Lahore and the deputy director environment Rawalpindi recently met Additional Deputy Commissioner General Hasaan Tariq.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and ensuring the district administration’s continued support for this initiative.

“The district administration is keen to assist businesses in navigating the registration process,” said the district administration official. “We are working closely with EP&CCD to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all stakeholders,” he said.

He said that the establishment of the registration desk at Raja Bazaar reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach with businesses to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.

Punjab government imposed a ban on the use of shopping bags less than 75 microns in June last and gave time to shopping malls and traders to replace them with environment friendly bags.

The district administration official said that the teams would confiscate plastic bags of less than 75 microns (polyethylene & non-woven polypropylene) from retailers of commercial areas only.

He said an awareness campaign had been launched in the district to promote the use of paper and cloth-made bags in the market and bazaars. He said that teams had been formed which would take action against the violators with the help of local police and confiscate the product and would impose fines.

He said that big grocery stores were of the view that they had to bear extra money on biodegradable bags and charged money from consumers.

He said the administration was also working to register wholesalers and producers of shopping bags with the Environment Department Rawalpindi. He warned shopkeepers to stop selling plastic bags less than 75 microns otherwise strict action will be taken against the violators.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2025