The Patna High Court on Monday directed the Bihar government to impose a ban on the usage of plastic bags. A bench comprising Patna High Court Chief Justice M.R. Shah asked the state government to make a law on the ban and to use the media to create awareness. It slated the next hearing for September 24.

Last week, a draft notification was circulated for a blanket ban on the manufacture, import, storage, transport, sale and use of plastic after seeking objections and suggestions from civilians, institutions and stakeholders. According to the notification, the plastic bags are non-biodegradable, produce toxic gases on burning, cause blocking of sewers and drains, reduce soil fertility and pose a threat to the life of cattle.