Maharashtra government has decided to impose fines on people found using plastic and thermocol, of ₹5,000-₹10,000 from June 23.
Earlier, Civic body’s admin department sent a proposal to BMC’s legislative committee to reduce the penalty fee and it was rejected.
BMC’s ruling party Shiv Sena remains firm on the decision which was taken by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam and has cited the reason that it has no right to make any changes in the decision taken by the government. Thus, it has been finalised that the fine imposed for the use of plastic and thermocol will be between ₹5,000-₹10,000.
The government seems to be very serious about implementation of the ban. It has said that if any manufacturer, shopkeeper is found in possession of either plastic or thermocol, they will be penalised. BMC had already given a draft notification regarding the penal action which was rejected by the legislative committee.
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BMC’s admin department in its draft stated that the fines shall be imposed starting from ₹200 to ₹1,000 – ₹200 fine for the hawkers and shop retailers for using plastic or thermocol followed by ₹500 fine for the groceries and similar retailers, and ₹1,000 for the hotels and malls. However, this was rejected by the legislative committee and its president Survarna Karanje said that these changes cannot be made by the civic body but state government.
However, Shiv Sena corporators are in favour of reducing the penalty fee but the state government is reluctant to do so. As the decision is taken by the Environment Minister, the instruction is not to approve any proposal regarding penalty reduction.
It is not appropriate to make changes in the government's decision. If you reduce the penalty amount, the seriousness of the plastic ban among the civilians and shopkeepers will not be there. Thus, fines decided by the government are right,” Standing Committee Chairman Yashwant Jadhav.