Freedom from plastic

On the eve of Independence Day, MiD DAY visited two busy junctions in the city to check if the ban on the sale of plastic flags, which was put in place two years ago, has finally been implemented

Back in 2008, the civic body had imposed a ban on plastic thinner than 50 microns, taking cognisance of the fact that plastic bags had choked many gutters during the 26/7 deluge.
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This meant that selling plastic flags is an offence.

But on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day each year following the ban, the sale of plastic flags has continued unabated, raising the hackles of environmentalists.

MiD DAY paid a visit to two busy junctions in the city this year, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that paper flags were the order of the day.


Infinity Mall, Andheri
The vendors were adhering zealously to the BMC's injunction, selling only paper flags and giving last year's ubiquitous plastic flags the wide berth.
What vendor Jayu Singhu00a0 had to say:
"For the past five years, I have been selling flags on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day. I have been selling plastic flags for the past four years, as there was a high demand for them. But last year a BMC official caught me in the act and made me cough up a fine of Rs 1,500. When I went to the wholesale market to purchase the flags, I noticed that only paper flags were available. The wholesalers are also complying with the government regulation barring the sale of plastic flags."

Sena Bhavan, Dadar
The vendor was selling paper flags and the stall was free from any signs of plastic.
What vendor Lata had to say:
I have been selling flags on the occasions of Independence Day and Republic Day for the last two years. Every customer approaching me asks for a plastic flag, perhaps because they last longer and don't turn to pulp in the rains. I tell them that the BMC has banned the sale of plastic flags. I used to make more money selling plastic flags, as there were more takers for them."

Did you know?
Mumbai generates 8,000 metric tonnes of garbage every day, of which four per cent is plastic.