Hyderabad:
The use and sale of plastic provision bags continue tirelessly in Hyderabad despite a ban on the province’s scale imposed by the Sindh government from June 15. Prohibited plastic bags are always openly used in grocery stores, general stores and franchise catches.
The Sindh government has announced a complete ban on the manufacture, sale and use of all types of plastic provisions, including non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black and recycled bags in order to reduce environmental pollution and drainage blockages. Official notification also led a strict application and legal action against offenders. However, even after more than two weeks, implementation on the ground remains ineffective.
Hyderabad DC Zain-Ul-Abideen Memon, published directives on June 19 to all District Commissioners of the District to cooperate fully with the Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) of the SINDH to ensure the application of the prohibition.
The additional sub-commissioner-II Saba Israr also sent a letter to the director’s information, urging the public awareness campaign advising citizens to avoid the use of plastic bags and rather use fabric or paper bags.
The regional director of SEPA, Hyderabad, Imran Ali Abbasi, said that the sale of plastic bags in large had been interrupted and that the local authorities were invited to brake their use in retail stores. He added that the SEPA teams actively visit the markets, issuing opinions to traders and distribute brochures to spread awareness.
The reports indicate that Hyderabad has 107 large plastic bag stores, including 65 in Tower Market, new in Qasimabad, six in Faqir Ka Pir, 10 in Latifabad, two in Preetabad and 15 in Tando Jam.
This is not the first time that such a ban has been introduced. In March 2018, the Sindh government applied article 144 to prohibit the manufacture, sale and use of plastic bags. Later, in November 2018, a progressive ban was approved by the provincial cabinet. The last ban, which entered into force on June 15, 2025, marks the third attempt, but a significant implementation remains elusive.
