Following the clarion call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shun use of plastic, Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar has imposed a total ban on plastic in all government offices across the district.

Presiding over a meeting, the deputy commissioner announced launching of a ‘plastic-free’ exercise by getting rid of such materials in all government offices from the immediate effect.

DC executed an order stating that the use of plastic items such as plastic bags, water bottles, plastic glasses, plates, tea cups including others is banned in all government offices in the district from the immediate effect. While issuing the said order, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar said that from the environmental point of view, it is never appropriate to use items made of polythene or plastic. DC also urged the local bodies in the district to completely avoid the use of plastic, complying with the government’s decision to ban all types of plastic in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently pitched (during Man Ki Baat) for launching a "new mass movement" against single-use plastic from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The PM said when the country observes the 150 birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, "we will launch a new mass movement against the use of plastic".

He also called for efforts to ensure proper collection and storage of plastic to save the environment.In his Independence Day address too, Modi had urged citizens to eliminate single-use plastic and suggested that shopkeepers provide eco-friendly bags to customers. His push against single-use plastic is being seen as an effort to prevent environmental degradation.

Keeping in view the conservation of environment, better alternatives such as jute bags and pottery should be used instead of items made of polythene and plastic.

The use of these eco-friendly fabrics, jute or clay made items will be phased out by 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti) using polythene or plastic items with the immediate effect, said Kumar adding, "In this way, we will be able to play our role in the order of environmental protection by gradually reducing the use of plastic." DC also told the officials to hold a special drive to enforce the plastic ban order.