Maharashtra Plastic Ban: Check credential of inspector before paying fine, says BMC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to the Mumbaikars to be cautious and check the credentials of the official before paying fine if they are caught using banned plastic.

In order to secure people from getting conned in the name of collecting banned plastic, the civic body has issued some identification of inspectors appointed to collect fine. Appointed inspectors designated to impose fine will have a dress code and will be assigned an authority letter and identity card, which determine an official's eligibility. The designated 249 inspectors from three departments — license, markets and shops and establishments — of BMC, will wear navy blue vests and will have an authority letter to collect fines.

"We do not want people to be harassed and get cheated by someone over collecting banned plastic. There are identifications of the inspector that they must check before paying fine," said Chaudhary.

These appointed inspectors will have to issue a receipt after collecting fines from offenders. "To ensure that team members do not misuse their powers, we have also published their names of officials, along with the areas assigned to them for inspection," said Chaudhary.

HOW DID IT GO ON DAY1?

 I ordered food from a restaurant in the afternoon but was denied the same because the restaurant said it didn’t have utensils to pack food as plastic was banned. So I didn’t get the order. I myself have stopped using plastic for carrying my tiffin. Instead, I use a cloth bag.
—Nishil Shetty, Lower Parel

It is a good initiative. I have myself stopped using it completely. I  encourage others to do the same. As a resident of Worli-Koliwada, I know the problems our folks face because of plastic in the sea. I hope others stop using plastic completely. Also, I feel any form of plastic use be banned, not even those that are being allowed now.
—Rahul Kolgaonkar, Worli

A shopowner asked me to carry steel utensils when I went to buy mutton. I had to look for other options. But it is good to see the ban being implemented and adhered to on the ground level. I carried the mutton in paper.
—Tripurari Panda, Mulund

Since morning, I have been noticing that as usual many people are carrying plastic bag. Most of them seem poor or middle class. If they fail to pay Rs 5,000 hefty fine, will the be put behind bar. It is not possible for everyone to pay a fine of Rs 5,000. This is nothing but lack of awareness. In the absence of proper alternatives, the state government should not have taken the step.
—Jitendra Gupta, Kurla