The Siliguri Municipal Corporation will impose ban on the use of plastic carry bags and styrofoam (thermocol-based items) in the civic area, mayor Gautam Deb said here on Wednesday.

“We will first impose the ban in two retail markets of vegetable and other perishable goods, located in Fuleswari and Subhashpally. The ban will also be imposed in three municipal wards (19, 21, and 24), which are adjacent to these marketplaces. In due course, it would be enforced across the town,” said the mayor.

To enforce the ban, the SMC will constitute a task force that will have representatives from police and pollution control board. ‘’The task force will monitor the entire process and restrict the entry of plastic carry bags and Styrofoam items from outside,’’ added Deb.

Representatives of organisations that work on nature conservation have welcomed the move.

“The usage of plastic bags and some other products have been completely banned across Darjeeling district. We hope the civic body will sincerely enforce the ban as such items are affecting natural resources and causing pollution,” said Animesh Bose, programme coordinator, Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation.