NMMC cracks down on plastic bag usage, collects `40K fines

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has stepped up its drive against use of plastic carry bags in the city on the orders of municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

As a part of the drive, plastic bags of less than 50 micron thick, which are banned and cause great harm to the environment are being targeted. Shopkeepers who use such plastic bags are being fined and their stock is being seized.

A plastic prevention drive was conducted in Ghansoli led by assistant municipal commissioner Diwakar Samel.

Samel said, “Plastic bags of less than 50 microns was found being used in five shops of Ghansoli. They were seized and a fine of Rs 25,000 was levied on the shopkeeper.”

He added, “The shops fined include Chamunda Kirana Brothers located at sector 4, Raj Oil Depot and Bhawani Sweets Dryfruit in sector 3, Gulab and Sons in sector 5 and Shri Khhetrapal of sector 7. Each of them were fined Rs 5,000.”

A similar drive was conducted in Vashi by ward officer Mahendrasingh Thoke. The shops fined were Ashapura Super Market in sector 29, Ambika Foot Shop in sector 26, New Bhagwati Super Market in sector 28.

Despite awareness being created by NMMC about hazardous effect of polythene bags on environment, a number of traders continue to use banned plastic bags in parts of the city.

The state government had imposed a ban on the use of plastic bags less that 50 micron in the state in 2006.

Additional municipal commissioner Ankush Chavan, said: “The use of plastic bags poses risk to environment and human health and clogs drainage system creating hurdle for smooth flow of water. The civic body has called upon traders and people not to use thin plastic bags.”

He added, “Besides authorities, residents are also responsible for environment preservation. They should stop using plastic bags since they adversely affect the environment.”

He asked the residents to use cloth and paper bags as they are bio-degradable materials.