On Gudi Padwa, Maharashtra to ban plastic bags; Rs 25,000, three months in jail if caught using them

You could be penalised for using or possessing plastic bags and plastic and thermocol cutlery in public places soon. To come into force later this month, the State's ban will see manufacturers, shopkeepers and consumers being penalised up to Rs 25,000 and three months in jail for subsequent violations.

The first phase of the ban leaves out PET water bottles, plastic flex boards, flags, milk polypacks, cling films and buntings.

"The cabinet approved the setting up of an empowered committee under environment minister Ramdas Kadam to decide which other plastic items can be banned. A recycling fee on plastic bottles will be introduced," a senior government official said. He admitted that the penalty on consumers would raise hackles, but denied it would be draconian.

"Though the contours have to be finalised, urban local bodies will give users a period to surrender their plastic bags at designated collection points. Otherwise, these will resurface in the market. The enforcement may be done after the window period," said another source. Enforcement will be undertaken by existing mechanisms such as BMC's clean-up marshals.