BMC clamps down on plastic

Mumbai: Worried over the growing plastic menace in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to undertake a special drive to curb the use of plastic carry bags in the city. The BMC plans to take strict action against those who use illegal plastic carry bags. The drive will begin at municipal markets and later would be extended to shopkeepers and vendors.

During the heavy rains on August 29, plastic carry bags and thermocol played a major role in clogging the city drains that resulted in flooding several parts of the city. “It was found that plastic and garbage had blocked the roadside drains in a large way. In addition to this, floating material like plastic bottles, carry bags and thermocol  clogged the outlets of pumping stations which affected their functioning,” BMC chief Ajoy Mehta had said.

The state government has announced to implement “plastic ban” from Gudhi Padva. In the backdrop of state government’s decision, the civic body too has decided to intensify its action against plastic bags in the city. 

According to civic officials, the BMC is also contemplating a ban on plastic carry bags across the city.

“It was seen that plastic bags were primarily responsible for choking the drains and outlets of pumping stations during the heavy rains on August 29 and September 19. Despite repeated appeals, the use of plastic bags is growing. Hence, the BMC is considering to ban its use in the city. The municipal commissioner has decided to prepare a policy in this regard,” said deputy municipal commissioner Sudhir Naik.

“We will also start public awareness drive to enlighten people about the hazards of plastic use. For this, the assistant commissioners have been directed to hold dialogues with officials of market associations, shopkeepers etc,” said a senior civic official.