Sironj (Madhya Pradesh): A gang of polythene thieves in red attires, called ‘Panni Chor,’ is hanging around markets and other places in the city. But fear not. They are harmless. Yet, if they find anyone using polythene bags below 70 microns, they will seize on the person concerned and make off with those harmful sacks.
The district administration has pressed this into service to protect the environment that non-standard polythene bags are damaging. The shopkeepers, traders, and handcart pullers have been advised not to use polythene bags below 70 microns. If found doing so, such traders will not only lose polythene bags but also pay a fine of Rs 200.
Chairman of Nagar Palika Manmohan Sahu and sub-divisional magistrate Hrshal Choudhary introduced the Panni Chor gang members to the public at a bus stop in the city on Wednesday. The gang’s objective is to stop use of polythene. Each member of the gang is clad in red outfit.
Chief municipal officer Ramprakash Sahu and councillor’s representative Sachin Sharma advised the traders to keep away from using polythene bags which were damaging the environment. Stern action will be taken against those found using such polythene bags, they said. Therefore, the traders and shopkeepers should be aware of the Panni Chor gang which may seize on them anytime.
