Seeking to protect the environment and public health, Uttar Pradesh government today decided to ban the manufacture, import, purchase and storage of all kinds of plastic carry bags across the state, a month after Allahabad High Court’s direction to prohibit its usage.

In a meeting presided by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, the state cabinet today decided to ban plastic carry bags in view of its negative impact on people’s health as well as environment, an official spokesman here said.

Following the ban, no shopkeeper, wholesaler or retailer will be able to use, store or purchase plastic carry bags for eatable or non-eatable items, the spokesman added.

However, the ban will not be applicable on carry bags used for packaging purposes, the spokesman said, adding, chairman and members of the UP Pollution Control Board will ensure the implementation of these orders.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister told newspersons, "We have banned polythene and its carry bags across the state.

There was a court directive to make Uttar Pradesh environment- friendly. We are also looking at alternative materials that can be provided to people."

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court had on November 18 directed the state government to issue a notification enforcing complete ban on sale of polythene across the state by December 31.

The cabinet has decided to hold the next session of both houses of the state legislature after January 26, 2016, the spokesman said.

A few other important decisions taken at the cabinet include, assent for the project for integrated development of old Lucknow, renovation works at the UP Rural Institute of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, transfer of 8.104 hectares of land belonging to Horticulture Department in Chandauli free of cost to the state medical and health department for setting up a government medical college, besides giving a nod for construction works at the cardiology and cancer departments in Kannauj Medical College.

In addition, the cabinet approved a notification of rules regarding regulation and transparency in the fee structure of private colleges and diploma institutes under the ambit of Technical Education Department which would come into effect from the academic year 2016-2017, the spokesman said.