Plastic ban comes into force in Mumbai on Saturday

The much-talked-about plastic ban comes into force in Mumbai from Saturday.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which has jurisdiction over two districts - Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban - would start implementing the ban from Saturday after an initial three-month extension.

As per the provisions of Section 9 of Maharashtra Non-Biodegradable Garbage Control Act, 2006, the offenders will be punished for the fine that may extend up to Rs 5,000 for the first offence, while second and third offences may be charged up to Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 or/and three-month imprisonment.

However, the BMC had tabled a proposal which entails the fine amount ranging between Rs 200 and Rs 1000 for first-time offenders. The corporation plans to differentiate the fine for citizens, milk and fruit vendors, general stores, malls and hotels. However, a final decision is yet to be taken.

The implementation is going to be strict and extensive and the special enforcement teams have been formed to nab offenders and charge a penalty for using plastic and also note down details on the Aadhaar Card or Permanent Account Number (PAN).

If an offender is being prosecuted, his/her identity details, either Aadhaar or PAN, should also be taken down, besides the name. For shopkeepers, the license number would be taken down.

"Members of the squad would be sporting jackets which would have the logo of BMC and would be navy blue in colour," said BMC's Deputy Municipal Commissioner Nidhi Choudhari.

* What is banned
- Plastic, thermocol decorative items
- Carry bags issued by malls/shops
- Disposable cutlery, plates, bowls, cups etc.,
- Non-woven polypropylene bags

* What is allowed
- PET bottles, milk pouches, garbage bin liners
- Plastic containers, tiffin boxes, bottles,
- Plastic bags used for agriculture, horticulture, plant nurseries
- Plastic packaging for medical purposes
- Raincoats/tarpaulin sheets/pens
- Plastic wrappers of biscuits, chips etc.,
- Plastic/thermocol packaging of products at the manufacturing stage

* The options
- Purchase alternatives like cloth, jute or paper bags as these are reusable, eco-friendly and readily available
- Multi-brand shops and retail chains are already giving cloth bags at a nominal price