New Delhi, Aug 26 - Faced with widespread disregard of its ban on plastic bags, the Delhi government reiterated its order Wednesday and warned violators that they faced punishment.

The government had banned plastic bags from markets and local shopping centres Jan 7. However, shopkeepers continue to pack their merchandise in plastic bags.

'It has been brought to our notice that plastic bags are still used in main markets, local shopping centres and in major branded outlets/chain of stores,' said a statement from the government's environment department.

'This is on the pretext that those bags are more than 40 microns thick or that the bags are bio-degradable or compostable.'

But, the statement reiterated, 'these are in total violation of Government of Delhi's notification dated 07.