In the last three months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has seized 2,551 kg of plastic and collected a fine of INR 24.7 lakhs after taking action against 494 violators.
It is pertinent to note that the civic body has banned single use plastic across Mumbai. Accordingly, the BMC is taking action against those who use and sell single plastic.
As the COVID restrictions were relaxed, the civic body renewed its blanket ban, which couldn't be strictly enforced during the pandemic. Under this, the officials started making surprise checks at commercial establishments as well as venues of social gatherings.
Subsequently, in 2018, the Maharashtra government decided to ban plastic that was less than 50 microns thick. It also banned plastic items like parcel containers used by eateries.
The inquiry committee formed after the devastating floods of 2005 concluded that the closure of single-use plastic was the reason behind waterlogging at many places.
If banned plastic is found with anyone, the BMC levies a fine of INR 5,000, which is doubled for repeat offences. In the third case, there is also a provision of INR 25,000 fine and three months’ imprisonment.
Share
Tweet
