Maharashtra: Plastic seizure in past 2 months is thrice the haul in four years

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has seized more than three times of banned plastic in just two months compared to plastic seized in the last four and half years. The record seizure was executed by the blue squad formed after state government banned single-use plastic across the state on June 23.

The blue squad of BMC visited around 2.09 lakh shops since the ban came into effect, and seized around 17,084 kg of banned plastic.

As per the data available with the Market department of BMC, since 2014 to till June 22, 2018, they had seized 5262 kg of banned plastic. "We have seized more than three times banned plastic in just two months which shows the intensity of implementation of the plastic ban in the city," said Nidhi Chaudhary, deputy municipal commissioner (Special) of BMC.

The BMC had also initiated prosecution against 249 shops owners who refused to pay fine for possessing banned plastic before Metropolitan magistrate. Now, the amount of fine will be decided by the court. As per the state government notification, the first-time violator will be fined Rs 5000. Subsequently, second and third-time violators will be fined Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively. Repeat offenders will be sent behind the bars.

The BMC squad consisting of 250 officials from Market, License and Shop and Establishments visited shops and fined the violators. Apart from fining the violators with Rs 5000, the civic body filed investigation reports to prosecute them.

Till August 31, investigation reports had been filed against 249 shop owners. The BMC also collected Rs 97,75,000 in total as fine from violators since June 23.

The blue squad visited malls, shops and establishments, well-known eateries and searched for banned plastic. "We focused on major shops and suppliers instead of common public," said Chaudhary.

Meanwhile, the BMC has set up 24 centres across 37 wards which will continue to collect banned plastic waste. "People can still dispose of their plastic waste they have at homes," said Chaudhary. She added that besides the collection centre, the toll-free number will also continue to function.