The much needed decision was taken at a meeting of the State Cabinet today after sitting on the draft bill for over six months. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had earlier indicated in an interview with Express Newsline that her government was waiting for the Central clearance to enact the Bill.

However, the environmentalists were certain that the government was succumbing to the plastic lobby which had been working overtime to get the Bill stalled.

Known as the Delhi recycled plastic use, storage of non-biodegradable garbage control Bill, it dwells extensively on handling and management of plastic bags.

The local authorities, like the MCD and the Delhi Administration more directly, will be responsible for safe disposal of plastic bags. Every local authority and users in public places will have to maintain separate bins for disposable plastic bags.

The Bill to be presented at the Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly has been assured a safe passage.

The Chief Minister will also issue a letter to all the schools, and through the 300 eco-clubs that have been set up efforts are being made to sensitise students and create pressure on parents not to use plastic bags.