Retailers seek more time, clarity from govt
If the ban is imposed after one year, we can, meanwhile, come up with alternatives. We can... probably continue to use plastic with a buyback and recycling policy RAMNIK LAL CHEDDA, president of Mumbai Grain Dealers' Association
MUMBAI: Demanding clarity from the state government over alternatives to plastic, 54 retail traders' associations in Mumbai have called for a one-year extension before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) starts penalising violators.
Until this extension is granted, no fines should be collected from retailers for selling products in plastic bags till the monsoon is over, or at least till August 15, said the representatives.
Ramnik Lal Chedda, president of Mumbai Grain Dealers' Association, said, "There is no alternative to plastic packaging during monsoon, especially for food products, dry fruits, grains and textile. If the ban is imposed after one year, we can meanwhile come up with alternatives. We can put forth our demands, probably continue to use plastic with a strong buyback and recycling policy, instead of banning plastic altogether."
After a meeting on Wednesday, the associations, registered under Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA), wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and environment minister Ramdas Kadam about their demands.
Viren Shah, president of Frtwa,said,"wehaveproposed that instead of banning plastic, why not come up with an effective way to collect and dispose the used plastic to recycling units. This is done in all countries."
Among the major demands are exemption to polypropylene bags (transparent plastic bags given at grocery stores) above 50 microns, ban on branded plastic packets too and breather for plastic packaging till August 15.
More than 1,100 shopkeepers attended Wednesday's meeting and proposed these demands. Shah said, "The fine for shop owners is too high — between Rs5000 and Rs25,000. We will not be bullied into paying money as there is no clarity about the banned items. We have decided to move court, if harassed by BMC inspectors."
Grain dealers, chemists, textile traders, jewellery shop owners, plastic manufacturers, electronic goods manufacturers and automotive spare parts manufacturers took part in Wednesday’s meeting.