Maharashtra Plastic Ban: BMC Organises Special Classes In Mumbai On How To Cope With The Plastic Ban

New Delhi: The clock is ticking. The countdown to the plastic ban in Maharashtra has begun. Come June 23 and Maharashtra will become the 18th state of India to impose a ban on plastic. While the state has levied hefty fines to ensure effective implementation of the ban, efforts are also being made to provide alternative solutions to plastic available to citizens and traders. For the same, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has organised an exhibition from June 22-24 at the National Sports Club Of India, Worli.

Speaking to NDTV, explaining the objective of the exhibition, Nidhi Choudhari, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, said,

We are so accustomed to using plastic and thermocol items that we believe it is an indispensable part of our life. Plastic and thermocol are used recklessly in birthday parties, kitty parties. The state is such that we don’t think beyond them. But the fact is, we have truckloads of alternatives available and this exhibition is for the same purpose.

Also Read: Maharashtra Plastic Ban: What Is Banned And What Is Not

Plastic Alternatives And More

The three day exhibition that will begin from tomorrow will have 60 companies and 50 Self Help Groups (SHGs) on board to share alternatives to commonly used plastic products. Recyclers will also be present at the event to showcase the recycled plastic products and give lessons on how to recycle the banned products at home or where to give it for recycling. Apart from this, there will be a plastic help desk to answer the queries.

Some of the alternatives to plastic are in front of us and then too we neglect them. Like canvas bag, jute bag, cloth bag, so on and so forth. Also, if we segregate properly and give plastic to recyclers, it can be of great use. The exhibition focusses on all these aspects, tells Nidhi.

Also Read: Goodbye Plastic, Hello Creativity: Five Easy Ways To Reuse Plastic Bottles

3-Day Exhibition To Mark Plastic Ban

The exhibition on alternatives to plastic, which is open to all, will be inaugurated by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam. Amruta Singh, wife of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, politician Aaditya Thackeray, Actor Ajay Devgn and Kajol and Municipal Commissioners will be present on the first day of the event and take rounds of the exhibition.

BMC also plans to felicitate the societies that have declared themselves plastic free or have taken steps to reduce the usage of plastic and help the government implement the plastic ban effectively.

Also Read: Maharashtra Plastic Ban: Mumbai’s Civic Body Proposes To Reduce Fine Amount From Rs 5000 to Rs 200 For Consumers

Plastic Ban: Things To Know

The plastic ban that is scheduled to come into effect from June 23, includes single-use plastic items including bags (under 50 microns), spoons, forks, cups, glasses, plastic pouches for liquid, plastic packaging food items, plastic and thermocol decorations. While the first time violators will be fined Rs. 5,000, second and third time violator will be charged Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 25,000 respectively. Third time offenders can also face three months of imprisonment. Plastic manufacturers have approached the Bombay High Court for relaxation as they estimate loss of Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 crore and about 4 lakh jobs will be affected. The case comes up for hearing in the Bombay High Court on June 22, a day before the ban becomes effective.

Also Read: Maharashtra Plastic Ban: Manufacturers Pin Hopes On High Court, As State Government Remains Resolute On Enforcement