Maharashtra Plastic Ban | All You Need to Know

The state-wide ban by Maharashtra government on plastic products has come into effect from Saturday (23 June). The prohibition extends to a wide variety of plastic items, including plastic carry bags, and even thermocol. The ban comes in the backdrop of the environmental risks and harm posed by plastic items to wild animals from ingestion or entanglement.
The state capital, Mumbai, faces flood like situation every monsoon due to drainage lines clogged with plastic and thermocol. A ban before the onset of rainy season is likely to help with this too. Earlier in March, the Maharashtra government had imposed a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as one-time-use bags, spoons, plates, PET and PETE bottles and thermocol items. The government had allowed a breathing period of three months to clear the stocks. With the deadline expiring today, all plastic and thermocol items will be banned in the state.

PTI quoted that CM Mr. Devendra Fadnavis said, “We want to promote responsible use of plastic. Therefore, we have banned the kind of plastic that cannot be collected, regulated and recycled. The ban puts the onus on the polluters, but at the same time, some exceptions have been made so that businesses are not hampered till alternatives have a strong presence in the market,” he also added, “The ban will succeed only with the participation of all the stake-holders and that the government has made a committee to ensure trouble-shooting and smooth adaptation. We do not want to promote police raj and we are also trying to address the concerns of traders and small vendors,”
Banned Item:
1. All kinds of plastic bags, irrespective of their thickness,
2. Plastic tea cups, glasses
3. Thermocol glasses
3. Thermocol used for decoration
4. Plastic items used in hotels to parcel food like boxes, spoons
Don’t Worry About:
1. Plastic and thermocol used by manufacturing companies
2. Plastic and thermocol used to package appliances
3. Plastic raincoats
4. Plastic bags for storing food grains
5. Plastic bags used for packaged food items like chips, biscuits, etc.
6. Plastic items used in hospitals like saline bottles
7. Thermocol boxes used to store medicines
8. Plastic pens
9. Milk pouches that are above 50 microns in thickness
10. Plastic pouches used in plant nurseries
Penalty:
The first time offenders will have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000. Violating the ban for a second time will incur a penalty to the tune of Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 along with a jail term of three months for third time offence.

After seeing penalty I don’t think anyone dares to try this. One of the good decision taken by Maharashtra government I hope they will handle it and the support of people is very important for maintain this ban.