MUMBAI MAY GO PLASTICFREE
Restriction likely to begin in March; packaging materials exempted
Maharashtra, which had banned certain types of plastic bags, now plans to do away with disposable containers, flags, banners and non-woven polypropylene bags. The ban could come into effect from March.
MUMBAI: Most items made of plastic are set to become history in Maharashtra this March. The state government, which had already banned certain type of plastic bags, is now planning to ban disposable containers, flags, flex boards, banners and non-woven polypropylene bags, among others.
However, plastic used for packing and packaging will be exempted. Similarly, plastic containers and sachets that are used to package products such as milk, grains, pulses and other goods will not be banned, said the officials. Even though the ban is likely to come into effect from March, details are still being worked out by studying various bans imposed in states such as Karnataka.
The state had announced a ban on plastic bags after it realised the 2006 ban on plastic bags of up to 50 microns was not helping unclog the drains. Now, state environment officials want to extend the ban to other items that are not just clogging the drains, but are also damaging the ecology since they are non-biodegradable.
“Besides plastic bags, we intend to ban flex boards, banners, flags and disposable items made up of plastic and thermocol such as plates, cups and spoons. We are studying reports from other states,”said state environment minister Ramdas Kadam.
In an order issued on January 2, the state environment department stated the government intends to ban certain plastic sheets, flexes, banners and flags as well as disposable material made up of plastic and thermocol such as plates, cups, glasses, forks, bowls and spoons.
In the order, it has directed all local authorities — municipal corporations, municipal councils, district collectors and chief executive officers of zilla parishads — to ensure strict implementation of the proposed ban by taking an undertaking while renewing licences of the retailers/shopkeepers that they will not sell the banned items, once the ban comes into force.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has also conducted region-wise meetings of all the stakeholders informing them about the proposed ban and how it needs to be implemented.
“We have started the exercise to ensure strict implementation of the ban and also create awareness among authorities, shopkeepers and vendors about the ban to be imposed in the coming months,” said Satish Gavai, additional chief secretary, state environment department.
“The government also wants shopkeepers and vendors to fall in line as they are the ones who sell plastic bags and other items. The undertaking clearly says that if they were found selling banned products then their licences will be either revoked or will not be renewed,” Gavai added.
The proposed ban, however, is likely to hit the retailers, restaurants and outlets selling takeaway food as well as manufacturers of the plastic and thermocol material. It will also hit the advertising industry hard as plastic boards and hoardings as well as flex boards are sought to be banned.
A senior official from environment department, who is privy to the development, pointed out that the ban imposed on plastic in Karnataka was supported by both the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Karnataka high court.
We also intend to ban flex boards, banners, flags and disposable items made up of plastic and thermocol such as plates, cups and spoons
RAMDAS KADAM, state environment minister