Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday announced that the state has decided to ban polythene bags. After a state cabinet meeting, the state government is looking at alternative material to distribute to the people, adding that the aim is to check environmental degradation.

The move comes a month after the Allahabad High Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to issue a notification enforcing a complete ban on the sale of polythene across the state by December 31. The government did not reveal when and how the new policy was going to be implemented.

The National Green Tribunal recently banned the use of plastic along the Ganga river, between Gomukh and Haridwar. The Centre has also kick-started plans for a major cleanup along the river, which runs through Uttar Pradesh as well.