Littering, polythenes banned in Shimla

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday banned littering in public places and the use of polythene bags here as part of a special anti-pollution drive.

"A fine of Rs fifty will be imposed on persons found guilty of littering," Forest and Environment minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said while launching the drive to mark the World Earth Day here today.

To involve children in the 'Seeti Bajao-Shimla bachao' (blow whistle-save Shimla) campaign, the government has roped in about 20 Eco Club schools, comprising 400 students, to keep a tab on people indulging in the practice.

"Officials of Shimla Municipal Corporation will accompany the child patrol teams to nab persons found littering on streets and other public places in Shimla," he said.

The members of a patrol team will collectively blow whistle if they find anyone littering, Nadda said.

"The objective is two-fold -- firstly, to make adults feel embarrassed when the children will catch them on the wrong foot throwing dirt on streets and secondly to make youngsters aware of the importance of keeping the city clean," the minister said.

The campaign will soon be extended to other parts of the hill state, he added.