Plastic Ban in Mumbai: BMC to Cancel Hawkers’ License If They’re Found Using or Selling Banned Carry Bags
According to statistics available, the BMC visited around 4.5 lakh establishments and seized 48, 163 kg of plastic since the ban came into effect.
Mumbai, February 1: Despite the ban on usage of plastic across the state, it has been found that hawkers across Mumbai have been selling their products in the banned carry bags. In a bid to curb this menace, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said it will start cancelling the licenses of hawkers if they are found using or selling banned plastic. According to a report by DNA, a BMC official was quoted saying that the state government has issued a notification saying that it will revoke the licence of licenses of shops and hawking stalls if they violate the law. Currently, the violators are being charged Rs 5,000 fine by the BMC. Plastic Ban in Maharashtra 2018: BMC Plans to Cut Down Fine Amount From Rs 5, 000 to Rs 200 For General Public.
According to statistics available, the BMC visited around 4.5 lakh establishments and seized 48, 163 kg of plastic since the ban came into effect. The civic body also collected Rs 2.05 crores as fine. Reports inform that the BMC had formed a special squad consisting of 300 officials from Market, License and Shop and Establishments to implement the ban. Named as ‘blue squad’, the team visited malls, shops and establishments, well-known eateries and searched for banned plastic. Maharashtra Plastic Ban 2018: BMC Collects 1.42 Lakh Kg Plastic Post Ban But Has No Mechanism to Recycle It.
According to the report, Vijay Balambar, deputy municipal commissioner (election) and in charge of the plastic ban said a circular has been issued which allows BMC to cancel the license of shops and hawkers if they violate the law. "Officials of the market, license and shop and establishments, who are carrying out an inspection of plastic ban, have been directed to cancel hawkers' license immediately if found with banned plastic," Balambar was quoted in the report.
In December 2018, the BMC had received a circular that allowed the civic body to take strict action for anyone found violating the law. The same circular has been forwarded to all the departments. The department has been asked to take further action on offenders of the plastic ban as given in the notification.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2019 08:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).