Mumbai: No license for shops defying plastic ban
To get new or renewed licenses by local civic bodies for shops, malls, and other commercial establishments, they will have to follow the State's proposed ban on plastic bags and thermocol goods. Establishments found violating the plastic ban, will be fined a minimum penalty of Rs. 5,000 for the first time and Rs. 10,000 if found defying the ban for the second time.
Proposed ban's draft notification will be issued within a fortnight
According to a report, the proposed ban's draft notification will be issued within a fortnight. However, earlier it was announced by Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam that the government's decision to ban plastic would be implemented from March 18 on the occasion of Gudi Padwa. Before finalizing the ban, the government will call for suggestions and modifications once the draft notification is published.
All plastic items will be banned in the state
As per the proposal, manufacture, use, storage, distribution and sale of polythene bags, thermocol and plastic plates, cups, glasses, forks, bowls and spoons, flex, non-woven polypropylene bags, decorative door hangings, plastic sheets, and plastic wrappers etc. will be banned. Production and distribution of plastic bags thinner than 50 microns and smaller than 8x12 inches have already been banned in the state.
Ban aimed to cut use of plastic at the roots
The main objective behind the plastic ban in the state is to cut the use of plastic from its root. As per reports, the environment department will carry out publicity campaigns against the use of plastic. It has also issued directions to all civic bodies that the ban must be complied by all commercial establishments before they are issued new or renewed licenses.
