‘Ban plastic totally in city’

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been waging a war against plastic bags as they were one of the main culprits of the disastrous floods of July 2005. Bags thinner than 50 microns have been banned in the city, but activists say plastic must be totally banned to eradicate the problem. 

    Additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said, "We have a threefold approach: awareness, appeal and implementation. Ward officers spread awareness of the dangers of plastic. At the zonal level, deputy municipal commissioners meet shopkeeper and hawker associations and urge them to reduce the use of plastic bags. Lastly, it's strict enforcement of rules." 
    With the rains soon approaching, officials have been working hard to cont a i n t h e m e n a c e. Rameshwar Nandanwar, chief inspector (shops & establishments), said, "We have a list of shops and distributors caught selling or distributing plastic bags thinner than 50 microns. Our officials conduct checks on these establishments every month. We also act on tip-offs from some residents and activists." 
    In 2011, the BMC levied fines totaling Rs 5,000 for the sale/distribution of bags thinner than 50 microns and smaller than 8x12 inches; a second-time offender was fined Rs 10,000, and the third time meant an imprisonment of three months and a fine of Rs 25,000. The civic body seized 3,268.8 kg of plastic and apprehended 7,464 offenders in 2011. This year, till May, theBMC seized 1350.57 kg plastic bags and collected Rs 18,28,720 in fines. 
    Adtani told, TOI, "The seized plastic is shredded and recycled." 
    Adtani, who encouraged residents' participation in the drive against plastic, said, "If residents have complaints regarding illegal plastic bags, they can call the 1916 helpline." 
    Environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali said, "Without proper implementation, it's just a paper tiger."