Maharashtra plastic ban Day-1: Rs. 7L collected as fine
Maharashtra entered a new era yesterday, figuratively, as a ban on several plastic and thermocol items went into force. Expectedly, compliance on Day 1 wasn't high; a whopping Rs. 7.27L were collected as fines, and more than 10,000kg of these banned items seized. Certain sections even protested by downing their shutters. But overall, despite difficulties, Mumbaikars hailed the move.
What you can use, what you can't
The state-wide ban is an attempt to curb environmental damage caused by plastic. This applies to high-quality carry bags, plastic, thermocol decorative items, disposable cutlery and non-woven polypropylene bags. Pet bottles, plastic-packaged medicines, compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture purposes and raincoats, pens, and plastic wrappers, among others, have been excluded. The government gave three months to citizens to switch to alternatives.
Fines of up to Rs. 25,000 and three-month imprisonment
First-time offenders will be fined Rs. 5,000, and those found breaking the ban for the second time will have to pay Rs. 10,000. A third-time offender may have to shell out Rs. 25,000, and might also face imprisonment for up to three months.
The first day saw several violations
Yesterday, raids were conducted in Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur and Ulhasnagar to ensure compliance. In Thane, officials confiscated 2,500kg of plastic and collected Rs. 95,000. In Solapur, collection went up to Rs. 2.15L. In Pune, officials seized over 8,000kg of banned items and collected Rs. 3.69L. In some places, officials approached vendors posing as customers, and lodged cases against those who provided plastic bags.
Some shut shop to protest, others refuse to pay fine
Shopkeepers in various areas, including Malad and Kandivali, downed shutters protesting the ban. Ambar Patel, a clothing store owner, voiced their concerns: "A penalty of Rs 5,000 is too much. This will also inconvenience the people who prefer carrying plastic bags during rains." Eleven stalls at a Parel mall, including multinational food chains, blatantly refused to pay fines, reported HT. They will get prosecution notices.
Meat, fish and milk sellers in even more trouble
The problem was even worse for milk, fish and meat sellers. None of these items can be sold in paper or cloth bags. Yesterday, many tried selling these in plastic bags and then wrapping the package in paper, but the permanent solution is plastic containers. However, this will push up prices, or force customers to carry such containers from home.
Despite difficulties, Mumbaikars give a thumbs-up to the ban
Overall, most, including customers and shopkeepers, hailed the move. Adnan Ussain Nansari, a belt-seller on Linking Road, said he doesn't mind the additional cost on cloth bags as "the ban will lead to less pollution, waste and diseases." "It's not that we aren't facing any difficulties, but it will be beneficial for us in the long run. We are happy," Mumbai residents told ANI.
