In a fillip to its ongoing efforts to ban single-use plastics, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken stern action against shop owners and retailers across the state, the officials said.

They said that between June 5, 2024, and January 26, 2025, MPCB's state-wide flying squads conducted intensive inspections, leading to the seizure of 14.50 tons of various single-use plastic items, including plastic bags.