- Currently, there is a considerable dependence on plastic and lack of alternatives to the banned products regardless of its harmfulness. However, Maharashtra, India’s state, has decided to enforce the plastic ban over the region. Wonder if the plan would be a success, check it out below!
Maharashtra plastic ban – What is it?
As it concerns, India’s second-populous state, Maharashtra, has started penalising all those found using plastic products, including single-use disposable items from June 23. The Devendra Fadnavis led state government enforced the ban after issuing the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products notification in March. Besides, the government had given the manufacturers, distributors, and consumers three months to dispose their existing stock.
On the other hand, they also need to come up with alternatives to plastic usage. Besides, passengers (other parts of the country) staying in the state are expected to maintain caution while disposing plastic. To be specific, violators will be fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first and second-time offence. Notably, a third-time offender will have to shell out Rs 25,000 and face imprisonment for at least three months.
Plastic products covered under the ban:
* Plastic bags with a handle and without handle
* Disposable cups, and plates, spoons, forks, glasses, and containers
* Plastic packaging
* non-woven polypropene bags, pouches
Plastic items excluded from the ban:
* Plastic used for packaging medicines and drugs
* Food grade virgin plastic used for packaging milk
* Plastic bags used for exporting goods
* Compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture purposes
* Plastic used at the manufacturing stage
* Plastic used for handling of solid waste
Maharashtra plastic ban: Does it work?
Besides, the officials from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and district and local administration have been authorised to implement the new law. Unlike demonetisation, the officials had been preparing for the plastic ban move for the last nine months. Moreover, the leader said there had been a lot of awareness about the plastic ban and only the willful offenders should be worried.