Here's all you need to know about plastic-ban in Maharashtra

As per the notification issued, people using any form of plastic will be fined with heavy penalty. This ban will be valid for all the shopkeepers and households. However, the government has laid down some exemptions for the convenience of the public.

Representational image/ Courtesy: PTI

New Delhi: Maharashtra is all set to be an eco-friendly state by banning the use of plastic, coming into effect from Saturday. The notification imposing a ban was issued in March, but the government took 3 months to revise the policies. As per the notification issued, people using any form of plastic will be fined with heavy penalty. This ban will be valid for all the shopkeepers and households. However, the government has laid down some exemptions for the convenience of the public. Banned items include:

• All types of plastic bags
• Disposable plastic dishes like forks, spoons, plates and containers
• Thermocol items like plates, bowls, glasses and other containers
• Plastic/thermocol decoration material
• Plastic packaging of the products
• Non woven polypropylene bags/pouches to store liquid

Items allowed:

• Plastic packaging for medical purpose
• Plastic raincoats and tarpaulin sheets
• Wrapping of biscuits, chips, pens
• Plastic/Thermocol packaging at manufacturing stage
• Packaging of branded/international products
• Plastic for packaging of milk

Severe penalties for people using plastic:

• Fine for 1^st offence : Rs5000
• Fine for 2^nd offence : Rs 10,000
• Fine for 3^rd offence: Rs 25,0000 and offender could also face jail for 3 months

The civic body appealed to reduce the cost of penalty from Rs5000 to Rs 200, but the law panel of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation denied the demand. This new initiative by Maharashtra Government is to keep the environment healthy.   Observing the damage of the surrounding, let’s hope to see a positive effect after this ban. Celebrities like Ajay Devgn and Kajol are also supporting the plastic ban.