Penalty won't be standard

Mumbai: Following the state government’s decision to ban plastic in the state, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to implement the ban in the city. While the action plan will be prepared soon for this, the civic body is also planning to fine offenders for using plastic carry bags on the basis of their business.

The civic body presently levies a uniform fine of Rs 5,000 on all offenders for the use of plastic carry bags. However, according to the new proposal, the fine will vary from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 depending on their business. 

Errant street hawkers or small vendors will be fined less, whereas the big offenders like shops, hotels or stockists will be charged more.

“We found that a uniform fine of Rs 5,000 is not affordable to all offenders, especially hawkers and vendors. Hence, in a bid to evade the fine, malpractices take place, defeating the purpose of the ban. To avoid this, we have decided to levy a penalty on offenders as per their business,” said a senior civic official.

According to civic officials, small hawkers and vendors will be fined Rs 200, whereas big establishments like shops, hotels, stockists will be charged between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000.

“The proposal of levying various penalties for the use of banned plastic bags has been sanctioned by the municipal commissioner and sent to the civic law committee for approval,” said Sunita Joshi, chief inspector, shops and establishments department.

Under the Maharashtra Non-biodegradable Garbage Control (MNBGC) Act, the use of banned plastic carry bags invite a penalty of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first and second offence. Following offences will be liable for the punishment of Rs 25,000 fine and imprisonment of three months.