Why is Government of India imposing a ban on the use of polythene bags? Suggest two alternatives to these bags and explain how this ban is likely to improve the environment.

Government of India is imposing a ban on the use of polythene bags because polythene bags are non-biodegradable and are causing pollution . They cannot be degraded naturally by the action of microorganisms and they stay in the soil for a long time and continue to pollute the soil it with toxic by-products. Also, they do not allow water to seep in, as they are waterproof. These polythene bags, when accidentally eaten by stray animals, can harm them and can even lead to their death.
Jute and cloth bags can be used in the place of polythene bags.
The advantages of using cloth and jute bags are as follows:

1. They are environment-friendly as they are biodegradable.
2. They are renewable and can be easily recycled and reused over and over again.

Thus, using jute and cloth bags will help to reduce pollution.