Plastic ban: BMC to dump strict measures for now, take softer approach

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has decided to go easy on imposing penalties for using plastic bags in the city. The civic body feels there should be enough alternatives for citizens before the ban, which came into effect on March 23, is enforced.

The BMC won’t take action against violators for a month, said sources. But that doesn’t mean it is not serious about the ban. “We do not want to take any harsh decision as of now. However, citizens too have to support the local body,” said Nidhi Chowdhary, deputy municipal commissioner (Special).

To facilitate the smooth implementation of the ban on select plastic products, the BMC will set up nearly 20 collection points at important places with high footfall like railway stations and markets where citizens can drop plastic bags, plastic cutlery, thermocol and decoration items. “The BMC will send the collected items to recyclers. We will increase the number of collection points as per need,” said an official.

The corporation will also raise awareness of eco-friendly alternatives. “We will provide space to self-help groups so that they sell cloth and paper bags. We will prepare a list of cloth, jute, and paper bag manufacturers and will upload it on the BMC website with their contact details,” said Chowdhary.

Dedicated Staff

The BMC has directed all its 24 assistant commissioners to depute an official to check illegal sale and use of plastic bags in areas under their control. Their names will be put up on BMC portal