Plastic Mukta Maharashtra! Seal the date June 23 makes plastic extinct

Get ready to segregate your plastic products as Maharashtra has finally announced to ban plastic from June 23. While the Mumbaikars are confused as to which plastics are exactly banned, and what needs to be substituted with it. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation claims that they are ready for the implementation from Saturday.

The government had, in March, issued a notification banning the manufacturing, sale, use of all single-use plastic bags. Besides, it banned an array of products, including cutlery, single-use containers, and straws. The penalties for the violation range between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 25,000. The government had allowed time until June 23 to dispose of banned items.

Still confused as to which plastic items are exactly banned? Here is a list for you to know about #PlasticBan
· Any kind of plastic is banned.
· Disposable thermocol products and plastics like the spoon, forks, cups, plates, glasses are banned for use by manufacturers, shopkeepers, and the common man.
· Disposable bowls, dishes, used for packing in the hotels and shops are completely banned.
· Plastic packaging used for wrapping and storing products are also included in the plastic bag.
While people raised their questions and doubts about having a substitute for the plastic ban, All questions were answered by MPCB member secretary P. Anbalagan and deputy municipal commissioner Nidhi Choudhary. Raising concern about the ban it is seen that plastic is indispensable. Instead of banning it altogether, the government should have stricter rules for its segregation and recycling. It should create awareness of it. There should be an efficient chain to ensure plastic is not strewn anywhere and it keeps getting recycled.

Meanwhile, the BMC’s exhibition on alternatives to plastic comprises of 110 participants of which 50 are self-help groups. They will showcase cloth, jute and paper bags. Besides, they will have wooden cutlery, alternatives to packaging, and straws for sale.
The BMC has trained 210 staffers for levying penalties and their list is available on its website along with a list of collection centers where people can dispose of plastic. It has also started a dedicated helpline for door-to-door collection. As on June 21, the BMC has collected 145 tonnes of banned plastic across the city.