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Maharashtra plastic ban: Starting June 23, India’s second populous state Maharashtra will see plastic ban in effect after a three-month disposal period. The Devendra Fadnavis-led state government enforced the ban after issuing the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol products (manufacture, usage, sale, transport, handling, and storage) notification in March this year. Manufacturers, distributors and consumers were asked to dispose off their existing stock and come up with alternatives in the meantime.
With huge dependence on plastic and lack of economical alternatives, it is yet to be seen if penalising those found using plastic products, will act as a deterrent or not.
When was plastic ban declared in Maharashtra?
On March 23 this year, the Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government banned the manufacture, usage, sale, transport, distribution, wholesale/retail sale, storage import of plastic bags with or without handle, and disposable products made out of plastic and thermocol.
Why is plastic banned in Maharashtra?
The Maharashtra government banned plastic in the state keeping in view environmental risks and harm caused to wild animals from ingestion or entanglement in plastic.
Which plastic products are covered the ban in Maharashtra?
Products manufactured from plastic and thermocol have been covered under the ban. This means plastic bags with or without a handle, disposable cups, forks, glasses, plates, containers is prohibited in the state. Any plastic packaging used to wrap and store products is also banned as per the notification by Maharashtra government. Plastic straws, non-woven polypropene bags, pouches and any other plastic used to store, package and transfer food items will also not be permitted in the state. Apart from this, use of plastic and thermocol for decoration purposes is also banned.
Which items are excluded from the plastic ban in Maharashtra?
# Plastic used at manufacturing stage
# Plastic used for handling solid waste
# Compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture purposes
# Food grade virgin plastic used for packaging milk
# Plastic used for packaging medicines and drugs
# Plastic bags used for exporting goods
What is the penalising amount for offenders of plastic ban?
If anyone is found violating the plastic ban in Maharashtra, he/she will be fined Rs 5,000 for the first time and Rs 10,000 for the second time. One who violates plastic ban for the third time will have to pay a fine of Rs 25,000 and may also face imprisonment for a period of three months.
Is the ban applicable to visitors as well?
The plastic ban will be implemented in Maharashtra, but passengers and visitors coming to the state are also advised to maintain caution while disposing plastic at public places.
