June 23,2018:Devendra Fadnavis-led State has Government has enforced the ban after issuing Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (manufacture, usage, sale, transport, handling, and storage) notification in March,2018.
Environmentalists have welcomed Cabinet’s decision, but the Plastic industry has slammed the Govt. calling it “retrograde step.”
With its huge dependence on plastic and lack of alternatives to banned products, many also wonder if the plan would be a success.
What is the plastic ban about and when was it implemented?
Maharashtra Government on March 23, 2018, banned the manufacture, usage, sale, transport, distribution, wholesale and retail sale and storage, import of plastic bags with or without handle, and disposable products made out of plastic and thermocol. Citing the environmental risks and harm caused to wild animals from ingestion or entanglement in plastic, the government enforced the ban with immediate effect.
What all plastic products are covered under the ban?
Under the notification products manufactured from plastic and thermocol have been covered under the ban. As a result usage of plastic bags with a handle and without handle, disposable cups, and plates, spoons, forks, glasses, and containers is prohibited in the state. Plastic packaging used to wrap and store the product is also included in the ban.Apart from this plastic straw, non-woven polypropene bags, pouches and any other plastic used to store, package and transfer food items will no longer be permitted in the state. Besides, it has banned the use of plastic and thermocol for decoration purposes.
While the ban will be implemented within Maharashtra, passengers coming to the state from other parts of the country are also expected to maintain caution while disposing plastic at stations. Plastic items excluded from the ban
* Plastic used for packaging medicines and drugs * Food grade virgin plastic used for packaging milk * Compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture purposes * Plastic bags used for exporting goods * Plastic used at the manufacturing stage * Plastic used for handling of solid waste
What is the fine if found using these plastic products?
As per the notification, violators will be fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first and second-time offense. A third-time offender will have to shell out Rs 25,000 and may also face imprisonment for a period of three months.
While the ban will be implemented within Maharashtra, passengers coming to the state from other parts of the country are also expected to maintain caution while disposing plastic at stations.
Who will implement and monitor the ban?
Officials from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and district and local administration have been authorised to implement it. For regulating this law at tourist locations, tourism police, or Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has been made responsible.
Source Hindustan Times
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