JOIN USBBMP raids shopping malls
It has been three years since the government banned the manufacturing and use of plastic, but traders and the public remain obsessed over its use.
So, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike decided to launch a crackdown on plastic use, and on Saturday, targeted swanky malls in the city. They found a flagrant violation of the plastic ban by traders, who used plastic materials disregarding rules.
As the team of BBMP health officials raided six shopping malls — Orion mall (west zone), Garuda mall (east zone), Forum mall (south zone), Phoenix mall in Mahadevapura, RMZ Galleria in Yelahanka and Meenakshi mall in Bommanahalli — they found a popular supermarket chain and ice cream stores violating the plastic ban.
Firms operating in these malls did not segregate dry and wet waste. The shops were collectively fined Rs 13.15 lakh, while officials seized about one tonne of plastic materials (1,010 kilograms), including packing materials and cups.
"The civic body received complaints that many malls have failed to comply with the plastic ban," BBMP health officer Balasundar A S said.
"The malls in the six zones were found using plastic in shops, food courts, supermarkets and upscale showrooms." The BBMP has also cancelled trade licences of four hotels operating in these malls.