Plastic ban may be tough to implement: Officials

The state government may have bitten the bullet by announcing a ban on the use of plastic bags and plastic and thermocol cutlery but officials admit that implementing it may be an uphill task.

"Implementing the ban on the consumers' end will be tough," admitted an official from the environment department. "Spot fining is dangerous. Receipts must not be handwritten but computerised with a centralised log to record repeat offenders. Fines must be used as a deterrent and not as a source of revenue," noted the official, adding that any law enforcement also includes the possibility of corruption.

According to the official, a system wherein consumers get deposit refunds for used milk polypacks and packaged water bottles was necessary. "Ideally, if I purchase a bottle from a retailer, I should be able to get a refund from another retailer who may be stocking another brand," he explained.

At present, manufacture, distribution, stocking or sale of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than 8x12 inches in size and below minimum thickness of 50 microns is banned under the Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture and Usage) Rules, 2006. Officials admitted that despite this, bags below the set standards were being used in Maharashtra with stock being smuggled in from neighboring states like Gujarat.

"The plastic ban has been attempted many times with rules being drafted for the purpose. Despite the Centre formulating laws, the system has not been implemented. Now, we have delegated powers at the lower level (for effective implementation)," said environment minister Ramdas Kadam.

While the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will oversee plastic manufacturers, municipal corporations and the district administration will regulate other stakeholders.