Maharshtra plastics ban comes into force from 23 June
22 Jun 2018
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The Maharashtra government's state-wide ban on plastics will come into force from Saturday, 23 June.
From 24 June, anyone found using plastic products, including single-use disposable items is liable to face a penalty ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs25,000, with a three-month jail term for non-compliance with the regulation.
BMC's deputy municipal commissioner Nidhi Choudhari said in a tweet: “Fine for 1st offence Rs5,000. Fine for 2nd Offence Rs10,000. Fine for subsequent offences Rs25,000 and 3 months imprisonment. For non-compliance with provisions of Maharashtra Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act 2006 offence can be registered in COURT.”
On 23 March 2018, the Maharashtra government banned the manufacture, use, sale, transport, distribution, wholesale and retail sale and storage, import of plastic bags with or without a handle, and disposable products like glasses, pouches, plates, containers and cutlery made from plastic and thermocol.
Plastic straws, non-woven polypropene bags, pouches and other plastic used to store, package and transfer food items will also no longer be permitted in the state. Besides, it has banned the use of plastic and thermocol for decoration purposes, as well.
The government enforced the ban with immediate effect, in view of the environmental consequences and harm caused to wild animals from ingestion or entanglement in plastic.
Teams consisting of 250 inspectors have been deployed to keep a vigil on shops, malls, shopkeepers, street vendors, hotels, restaurants and citizens.
Plastic products excluded from the ban include:
- Plastic used for packaging medicines and drugs;
- Food grade virgin plastic used for packaging milk;
- Compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture purposes:
- Plastic bags used for exporting goods;
- Plastic used at the manufacturing stage; and
- Plastic used for handling of solid waste.
Choudhari clarified the items covered and exempt from the ban in a series of tweets:
- “Is there a ban on plastic packaging for medical purpose? NO.
- "Is there a ban on rain coat/tarpaulin sheets/pens/Plastic wrapper of biscuits, chips etc? NO.
- "Is there a ban on plastic / thermocol packaging of products at manufacturing stage? NO,”
Another tweet said:
- “Is there a ban on high quality carry bags issued erstwhile by malls/shops? YES.
- "Is there a ban on plastic / thermocol decorative items? YES.
- "Is there a ban on disposable cutlery, plates, bowls, cups etc? YES.
- "Is there a ban on Non Woven polypropylene bags? YES.”
