September 21,2018:
Three months after Maharashtra Government banned plastic, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected Rs 1.1 crore in fine and has confiscated 18,601 kg plastic until September 18.
On March 23, Government issued a notification, banning manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of all single-use plastic items such as bags, spoons, plates, bottles, and thermocol items.
Plastic Ban came into effect from June 23.
Civic body’s plastic ban team visited 2.37 lakh shops since June 23, of which 269 owners refused to pay the fine and were issued challans.
Squad members were divided into 24 teams, and concentrated mainly on big establishments and multi-national food and beverage joints.
While the rule doesn’t allow citizens to carry plastic and thermocol items, BMC is yet to start levying fines on the citizens.
Nidhi Choudhari, Deputy Municipal Commissioner has stated that,“We are spreading awareness and have asked the plastic ban squad to spread the message”.
While Civic Body claims the ban was a success, citizens have raised concerns about the increase in usage and availability of plastic bags and straws in markets.
Source HT
Picture Source :
