Mumbai: Carrying banned plastic repeatedly can land you in a criminal court.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made it clear that if an offender is caught carrying the banned plastic thrice, an offence will be registered against him in a criminal court along with a fine of Rs 25,000 and a three-month jail-term.
Nidhi Chaudhari, deputy municipal commissioner (special), said, “A fine of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 will be charged for the first- and second- time offence, respectively. However, a third-time offender will be fined Rs 25,000 and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. The offence will be criminal in nature.”
Ms Chaudhari was speaking at a seminar, “Understanding the Plastic Ban” organised by VCAN, a citizens’ group, on Thursday. Ms Chaudhari said, “BMC has formed a team of 249 inspectors, who will be visiting shops, malls, markets, hawkers and vendors to crack a whip on banned plastic.”
The state government, on the occasion of Gudi Padva, announced a ban on several plastic items. Later, it decided to give a three-month extension to allow people to dispose the banned plastic items. The deadline comes to an end on June 23, after which, the plastic ban will be implemented across the state.
Dr P. Anbalagan, secretary, Maharashtra pollution control board (MPCB), said that the ban would be applicable to plastic carry bags, cutlery and thermocol. “Primarily single-use plastic items have been included in the ban to prevent their use,” he said.
Indrani Malkani, chairperson, VCAN, said, “There is a lot of confusion among people about the plastic ban. Hence, there is a need to create public awareness.”
