In a move aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on polythene, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the Ministry of Environment spearhead the production of an environmentally friendly paper bag to replace “sili sili” bags.
The suggestion was raised during Committee discussions on the possible introduction of a fee for sili sili bags at retail outlets. Members questioned whether imposing such a charge would meaningfully reduce polythene consumption and sought clarity on how the proposed fee had been determined. Officials clarified that the existing gazette does not require a fee to be charged for these bags.
The Committee met in Parliament on November 10 and 12, 2025, under the chairmanship of MP Hector Appuhamy, where it reviewed the financial and physical progress of the 2025 budget proposals for the Ministries of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources, and Environment. Several annual and performance reports of affiliated institutions were also examined and approved.
