First Three Months Of Plastic Ban A Success: Mumbai Corporation Collects Rs 1.1 Crore Fine For 18,600 Kg Of Plastic

In a bid to make Mumbai plastic free the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had imposed a plastic ban in the city, and the Free Press Journal reports that it has collected over Rs 1.1 crore in fines in the first three months.

The corporation has already impounded over 18,600 kg plastic from the city. The bulk of the fine came from businesses and bulk plastic producers.

In an inspection of over 2.37 lakh shops and establishments since 23 June, the civic body officials reported non-compliance of as much as 269 shop owners to pay fine. Officers clustered as 24 groups and targeted multi-brand retails, food and beverage joints which have a high propensity for plastic use.

Individuals as such have not been in the radar says a BMC official. The decision to start fining citizens has not yet taken, and the primary focus will be on creating awareness. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan officials are also planning to conduct exhibitions in different parts of the city as a part of the awareness campaign.

Maharashtra government through a notification on 23 March had banned the manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of all single-use plastic items such as bags, spoons, plates, bottles, and thermocol items and came into effect on 23 June. The corporation reports that the ban has been a success so far.