August 20: The ban on the use of plastic bags has proved ineffective. This was revealed in a recent study carried out by the Department of Urban Development and Engineering Services (DUDES), Ministry of Works and Human Settlement.

The ban on the use of plastic bags was first imposed in 1999 and was further reinforced in 2005.

However, a recent survey on solid waste management showed that the ban on the use of plastic bags has proved ineffective.

The study carried out from November 2007 to January 2008 covered Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Samtse, Paro, Gelephu, Damphu, Samdrup Jongkhar, Bumthang, Trashigang and Monggar.

The survey covered over 8,000 respondents in the 10 towns. Findings showed that 80% of the respondents were familiar with the ban. However over 7000 out of the 8000 respondents said they still used plastic bags.

The Deputy Executive Engineer of the DUDES, Sherab Phuntsho cited lack of strict monitoring and enforcement as one of the factors. He also said most respondents found plastic bags to be convenient and cheap and also easily available.

The findings of the survey were presented to a gathering including cabinet ministers, members of the parliament and senior officials at the opening of the national conference on solid waste management in Simtokha.

The survey has also recommended the government to review and promote the use of stronger bio-degradable plastic bags.