The ban on polythene carry bags and smoking seemed ineffective on the first day in Chandigarh. Polythene bags were easily available at many shops without any fear. Many people were seen smoking at public places such as bus stands, railway stations and public parks.

People stressed the need for proper awareness among public about the ban. They held administration guilty for not enforcing the law in the true sense. Traders demanded alternative to polythene bags. They said that the paper bags are not easily available and costlier that the plastic bags. Many shopkeepers and customers in the grain market of sector 26 said that they were not aware about the ban and the government should arrange alternatives.

The UT administration visited many markets of the city and created awareness about the law. It issued warnings to many shopkeepers who were still using the polythene bags. There were no fines imposed on the first day of ban in the city. The ban was also proved ineffective in sector 17, the commercial hub of Chandigarh.

Meanwhile reliance stores have introduced cloth bags but customers have to pay additional Rs 4 for these bags. The chairman of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, Charanjeev Singh said that they have requested the administration to extend the date of ban as festival season is coming and it would be difficult for the shopkeepers to arrange alternatives.