LUCKNOW, June 10 -- Ahead of the final Bada Mangal this Tuesday, Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has launched an enforcement drive and issued strict directives to 'bhandara' or community feast organisers to avoid the use of plastic cutlery altogether.

The official action follows an HT report on June 3 that reported the rampant use of single-use plastic items, despite a nationwide ban on them, at bhandara events held that day. Taking cognisance of the issue, municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar directed all eight zonal in-charges in the city to ensure compliance with the ban and take up awareness drives for the organisers.

"Plastic is choking our drains and damaging the environment. Officials have been directed to enforce the ban stri...