Sixteen shops refuse to pay fine on 4th day of plastic ban in Mumbai

A total of 16 shops across the city refused to pay a fine for possessing banned plastic on Tuesday when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) plastic ban squad visited. They will now be prosecuted in the metropolitan magistrate court. So far, a total of 26 shops have denied to cough up the fine amount.

Continuing its drive, the BMC's plastic ban squad visited a total of 5,440 shops across the city on Tuesday and found 94 shops in possession of banned plastic. Of the 94, 78 paid the fine, while 16 refused to pay.

Sangeeta Hasnale, Assistant Municipal Commissioner (markets), said those who refused to pay the fine will be prosecuted and the fine amount for them will be decided accordingly. She added that there will no immediate arrest for possessing banned plastics.

The squad also collected Rs 3.9 lakh in fine from 78 shops and 255 kg banned plastic.

Hasnale said that the Colaba Fish market has become completely thermocol-free. "Now, not a single fish vendor is using thermocol and the market is looking much cleaner," said Hasnale.

From Wednesday, instead of concentrating on one area, the squad will visit their respective wards. "For the past one week, the officials could not do other work in their respective departments. Now, they will visit only 20 to 25 shops after completing their official work," said Hasnale. There are 249 inspectors in the squad and around 5,000 shops will be covered every day.

Meanwhile, the civic administration has decided to continue its drive against big shops and establishments, traders, and suppliers. "We are creating awareness among common people to stop using and accepting banned plastic," she said, adding that this should become a habit.

PENALISED:

Total shops visited: 5440

Fine imposed: 94

Refused: 16

Fine collected: Rs 3,90,000

Till date shops visit: 13501

Fine collected: 10,50,000