Plastic ban comes into force in Maharashtra from today
The Maharashtra government's state-wide ban on the use of plastic items, including carry-bags and thermocol, came into effect from today. For the first-time offenders, the fine will be Rs 5,000. For second-time offenders, the fine will be Rs 10,000. And, those who violate it for the third time will face a fine of Rs 25,000, along with imprisonment of three months. Here's more.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has something to say
"We want to promote responsible use of plastic. Therefore, we have banned the kind of plastic that cannot be collected, regulated and recycled," CM Devendra Fadnavis said. "The ban will succeed only with the participation of all the stakeholders. We do not want to promote police raj and we are also trying to address the concerns of traders and small vendors," Fadnavis said.
Recently, the government imposed ban on manufacturing some plastic materials
On March 23, the state government had imposed a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution, and storage of plastic materials such as one-time-use bags, spoons, plates, and PETE bottles, and thermocol items. The government gave 3 months' time for the disposal of the existing stocks.
80% of the plastic is manufactured in Gujarat, says minister
"The government has made strict provision of three-month jail if plastic is found being brought into Maharashtra from any other state," said the state Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam. "The first-time offenders will have to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000; Rs. 10,000 if caught for the second time and Rs. 25,000 along with a jail term of three-months for third-time offense," he said.
Things that have been exempted from the ban
Plastic and thermocol used by manufacturing companies, materials used in hospitals, plastic pens, milk pouches that are above 50 microns in thickness have been exempted from the ban. Plastic and thermocol used for packaging electronics, the plastic used for storing food grains, and that used in nurseries for plants and also plastic in which biscuits, chips, are packaged, etc. are exempted from the ban.
