Maharashtra government earmarks Rs 10 cr on publicity blitz for plastic ban

The state government will be spending Rs 10 crore on the publicity aimed to create awareness for the effective implementation of the ban on plastic carry bags and thermocol cutlery. Of the Rs 10 crore, the state government has already transferred Rs 3.28 crore to the regulator Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) through a notification dated March 28 to start publicity in the print and electronic media.

An officer from the state publicity department told DNA, "The directorate general of information and public relations has put in place a comprehensive publicity plan to be launched across the state. The objective is not only to create further awareness but also mobilize support of the members of the public to achieve complete ban on plastic carry bag and thermocol cutlery. Maharashtra has become the 18th state of the country to impose such ban.'' He informed that the publicity campaign will focus on ill-effects of plastic and how the ban was necessary in the larger interest of environment conservation.

The officer said that the ad blitzkrieg will list out products which are banned and those not yet banned. Besides, information at length will be given about the collection and disposal mechanism. The state government has ordered all local bodies to arrange for the collection and transportation of these banned products or plastic waste to either authorized recyclers or industries involved in scientific disposal during the one-month period since the ban was imposed.

In case of producers, the government has already clarified that all banned items need to be either sold outside the state, sold to authorized recyclers or industries dealing in safe disposals, or handed over to the local body within one month.

More importantly, plastic producers and users will also be made aware of the nature of penalty and punitive action in case of non compliance.

PLASTIC WASTES

According to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPBC), around 3 to 5 per cent municipal waste constitutes of plastic and the city generates around 7500 MT tonnes of waste everyday. The plastic waste clog the drainage leading to water logging in monsoon.