Plastic containers come under ban

The state environment department has proposed to bring plastic plates, containers, plastic cups and other plastic articles under the gamut of restriction on plastic. The department has invited suggestions and objections from the stakeholders on various new provisions proposed in the rules.

The notification, issued ten days ago, has proposed stringent norms to effectively implement the ban on plastic bags below 50 microns. It not only proposes a ban on burning of plastic particles in residential areas and at the dumping ground but also suggests that local self bodies adapt innovative ideas to effectively implement the ban on plastic bags.

“Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture and Usage) Rules 2011 is more stringent than the Central Rules which deal with the restrictions on use of plastic bags. The Centre has imposed ban on bags of less than 40 microns, while our limit is 50 microns,” said Valsa Nair Singh, secretary, Maharashtra environment ministry.

“The latest notification is to invite suggestions from stakeholders. We will introduce amendment to the rule books once we receive them.”
Nair said that the new proposed rules will impose ban on the use of the plastic containers used storing foodstuff.

“However, implementation of the rules and ban is the responsibility of the local bodies. We are encouraging manufacturing units to register themselves with us so that we can monitor them better,” said another official from the department.