It is understandable that consumers are switching over to supermarket chains for household shopping. These outlets offer competitively priced groceries and other essentials under one roof. An unfortunate offshoot of this phenomenon, though, is the alarmingly high use of plastic in both product wrappings and carrybags .

Chandigarh, February 12 The Chandigarh Administration has issued a draft notification to declare the city "polythene bag free' by not allowing vendors, shopkeepers, retailers and traders to use, transport and manufacture polythene bags in the city. The administration has invited objections to the scheme within the next 60 days. However, the proposal to impose a complete ban on the use of polythene bags in the city has been opposed by industrialists and traders.

ITANAGAR, Jan 10: With the picnic season at full swing, people are thronging the outskirts of the State capital that offers ideal picnic spots with icy cool rivers and serene nature. But the lighthearted outings are taking its toll over the environment with pollution from leftovers. That makes one ponder - New Year Party at what cost?