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2019 in Review: Top Three Things That Got Banned This Year

From plastic bags to hookah, here are 3 things in Mumbai that were banned just on paper:

2019 in Review: Top Three Things That Got Banned This Year
SHARES

As the year is coming to a close, here is a look at some of the things that got banned in 2019. Irrespective of the good intention, some of these things can be put under the tag of 'good policy, bad implementation'. This resulted in the banned items to be banned only on paper. That said, in some of these cases, the Government did manage to collect hefty fines while ensuring that the banned items remain off the market.

Here are top three things that were banned in Mumbai 2019, most of them only on paper: 

1. Plastic bags

Plastic had become a huge issue as it was blocking the nullahs and was the major cause for huge heaps at the dumping ground. Shiv Sena had initiated the ban which was well received by Mumbaikars with some shopkeepers being dejected about the same. The penalties were ₹5,000 for first time offence, a fine of 10,000 for the second offence and for the third time, there is a provision of 3 months imprisonment and 25,000 fine. The State Government had allowed recyclable multilayered plastic used in chips packet, shampoo pouches, oil packet and chocolate packets. Plastic items used for domestic purpose like bottles, buckets, mugs have also been allowed.

The State Government collected exorbitant fines in the initial month but everyone is aware of the situation now. Plastic bags are still been sold and used. Shopkeepers had criticised the move as the government had banned plastic without providing a feasible alternative. 

Also Read: Aditya Thackeray's Vision Of '24x7 Nightlife' In Mumbai May Become A Reality Soon

2. Hookah

Hookah was banned and no restaurant was allowed to keep it or sell it on their premises. However, some restaurants still have hookah parlours and many shops, especially in the areas like Crawford Market, Mohammad Ali Road and Byculla, sell hookah openly. 

3. E-Cigarettes 

An electronic cigarette which is also known as e-cigarette among other names is a handheld battery-powered vaporizer that simulates smoking and provides some of the behavioural aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without burning tobacco. However, it affects health drastically. The government had issued an ordinance to ban e-cigarettes in September this year. The new law would replace the ordinance. The Electronic Cigarettes Bill 2019 defines electronic cigarettes as electronic devices that heat a substance, which may contain nicotine and other chemicals, to create vapour for inhalation. The bill provides for imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both to a first-time violator. Similar to hookah, E-cigarettes are also found in various shops.

Also Read: New Year 2020: Locals Put Up Warning Boards Near Historical Places

 

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