The state exempts kirana store owners from the plastic ban

After enforcing the plastic ban, the state government has decided to exempt retail packagers following industry demands. However, these shopkeepers will have to use biodegradable and recyclable plastic bags embossed with a BMC stamp.

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The manufacturers will have to mention their names and the thickness on the plastic. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the BMC will keep an eye on the manufacturers to see if they destroy the plastic bags as per the norms. Any non-compliance will either attract punishment or a rollback of the exemption.

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State Minister for Environment, Ramdas Kadam said that these retailers will have use only recyclable plastic bags and in turn will have to be collected from plastic collection centres.

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Relieved with the state’s move, Viren Shah, Federation Of Retail Traders Welfare Association said that it would bring relief to three lakh kirana store owners in the state. He added that there is still no clarity about instant packaging for fresh food items.