Shimla, April 22 (Inditop.com) The Himachal Pradesh government Thursday imposed a ban on throwing ‘gutka’ (chewing tobacco) sachets in public places.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said: “From today (Thursday) onwards, a complete ban on throwing ‘gutka’ sachets in public places was imposed. Violators will be penalised.”

“The ‘gutka’ sachets are major environment polluters. Its scientific disposal by the local bodies would help control the menace,” Dhumal said while launching the second phase of state-level ‘Polythene Hatao, Paryavaran Bachao (remove polythene, save environment)’ campaign.

On World Earth Day Thursday, Dhumal also instituted ‘Green Awards’ for both print and electronic journalists.