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  Metros   Mumbai  20 Jul 2018  BMC prosecutes 137 for flouting Maha plastic ban

BMC prosecutes 137 for flouting Maha plastic ban

THE ASIAN AGE.
Published : Jul 20, 2018, 1:56 am IST
Updated : Jul 20, 2018, 6:36 am IST

Civic officials have indicated that action against offenders is likely to be intensified in the coming days.

Representational photo.
 Representational photo.

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has so far prosecuted 137 people for refusing to pay the fine for using banned plastic. The civic body has also collected a fine of Rs 40 lakh from the offenders. Civic officials have indicated that action against offenders is likely to be intensified in the coming days.

According to civic data, ever since the plastic ban came into force from June 23, the BMC officials have visited 98,896 establishments and seized 3,348 kgs of banned plastic. Offic-ials have also collected fine of Rs 40 lakh. As 137 people have refused to pay the fine, the BMC issued notices to them and initiated legal action as well.

The BMC has formed a team of over 310 inspectors from three departments — market, licence  and shops and establishments — to take action against offenders using banned plastic in the city. These officials have been given jackets stating specifically that they belong to the plastic ban squad and also authorisation letters from the BMC. The teams of inspectors have been visiting sh-ops, malls, markets, hawkers and vendors in their bid to crack down on plastic offenders. “Prosecution notice has been issued against offenders, who have refused to pay the fine for using banned plastic. They will be tried before the metropolitan magistrate for violating the plastic ban,” said Sunita Joshi, chief inspector, shops and establishments.

Under the plastic ban, the state government has declared a fine of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively for first and second time offenders. A third-time offender will be fined Rs 25,000 and three mont-hs imprisonment.

However, citizens have questioned BMC’s action, saying that the plastic ban has failed to achieve positive results. “I can still see plastic carry bags all over the place. Even the bags under 50 micron of thickness are being seen everywhere. If that is the case, what is the use of plastic ban?” asked Rudresh Satpute, a albaug resident.

Tags: brihanmumbai municipal corporation, banned plastic