Mumbai: In single day, BMC seizes 87 kg of plastic, collects Rs 2.95 lakh in fines

BMC conducted the drive along with MPCB officials and police

Beginning on Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a targeted campaign against the use of banned plastic, receiving support from both the police and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). In the span of a single day, BMC confiscated 87.356 kg of plastic, levying fines totalling Rs 2.95 lakh. The comprehensive inspection carried out on Monday encompassed 1,159 locations, where 59 instances of plastic usage were uncovered.

A task force comprised of five members undertook the survey, with three representing the BMC, one from the MPCB, and a member of the police. This exercise of BMC revealed 59 locations that continued to employ prohibited plastic materials. The BMC, in response, collected fines amounting to Rs 5,000 from each violator while simultaneously confiscating 87.365 kilograms of plastic.

While affirming that action against the usage of banned plastic is a standard procedure, BMC officials highlight the added advantage of partnering with the MPCB and the police staff, helping them in operational efficiency. From July 2022 to August 18, 2023, BMC has successfully seized 5,371 pieces of plastic items and imposed fines totalling Rs 82.50 lakh.

As per a state government notification dated March 23, 2018, BMC holds the authority to take action against individuals employing banned plastic and thermocol items. A civic official stated, "The fines are on the higher side. The provisions include a fine of R5,000 for first-time offenders, R15,000 for second-time offenders, and Rs 25,000 with three-month imprisonment for third-time offenders."

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The banned plastic products

>> All types and sizes of plastic carry bags
>> Non-woven polypropylene bags weighing less than 60 grams per square metre
>> Plastic and thermocol dishes, bowls, containers, plates, cups, and glasses, as well as cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, drinking straws, trays, and stirrers
>> Plastic-coated disposable dishes, cups, plates, glasses, forks, bowls, and containers made of paper or aluminium
>> Plastic and thermocol decorations
>> Plastic wrappers for sweets boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets
>> Earrings with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, and candy canes
>> Ice cream sticks
>> Plastic or PVC banners (less than 100 microns)

Rs 82.5 lakh
Amount in fine collected from July 2022 to August 18, 2023