In an attempt to check environmental pollution, Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to ban the use of plastic bags, bottles and cups with thickness less than 50 microns.

The ban would be enforced with immediate effect, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram after a Cabinet meeting.

The government took the decision in the wake of serious environment problems due to the uncontrolled use of plastic materials, he said.

Necessary instructions would be given to district collectors and other officials to implement the ban, he added.

He appealed to all sections of people to make the government's effort a success.