Ban on single-use-plastic comes into effect from July 1 across the country
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is all set to implement the total ban on single-use-plastic (SUP) which comes into effect from July 1. The Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) of NMC is going to conduct raids at different local markets from Friday to realise the ban.
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Friday 20 Dec. 2024
According to NMC sources, the civic body conducted many awareness campaigns about plastic ban in city markets. It also published notices in newspapers in this regard. Meetings with market associations, hotel associations and manufacturers were held regarding the new rule. Out of 176 Nuisance Detection Squad personnel, every zone will have 17 Nuisance Detection Squad members each who will visit market areas to implement the ban from Friday onwards.
According to the reports, the offenders will be fined with Rs 5,000 for the first time, Rs 10,000 for second and 6 months imprisonment for regular offenders. As many as 19 items come under the SUP that have been banned while the plastic carry bags less than 100 microns have been banned in the state since 2017. Retailers say instead of targeting small and road-side vendors, the government should shut down the units manufacturing the illegal polythene bags and other plastic items. It will cut the supply and thereby automatically break the chain.
Ashwin Mehadia, President, Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC) said, “Administration did not take enough efforts to create awareness about the ban on SUP. Shopkeepers, roadside vendors are not aware of the ban. We are also planning to send a deputation to the Chief Minister regarding this ban.” Mehadia said.
“Paper bags are the alternatives for plastic which are already available in the market. But the roadside vendors are frequently using plastic bags. It is not possible for them to afford paper bags as a replacement. The vendors, manufacturers should be provided six month time to restrict the flow of SUP in the market. Tons of plastic bags and other items are already available in the market and with the manufacturers,” said the NVCC president.
The banned items include earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks of balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, thermocol decorative material, plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, plastic trays, sweet boxes and cigarette wrappers.
