Mumbai, June 24: Maharashtra State introduced a statewide plastic ban from April onwards. Now it is going to be followed stringently in Mumbai and across all cities. The municipal bodies are gearing up to make the plastic ban successful. There are a number of things which you are permitted to carry and some that can make you pay a hefty fine.  LatestLY tells you which plastic items you should avoid especially in Mumbai after June 23.

In the state of Maharashtra, fine collection has already been started in some cities from yesterday.  The civic body will take Rs. 5, 000 from first-time offenders, however, as the amount is hefty for a common man to pay, it is planning to reduce it to Rs. 200 to provide some leeway to the general public. But the decision is yet to be confirmed. However, the same consideration is not extended to shops and other commercial establishments, who will have to pay Rs. 5, 000 and above.

The List of Banned Plastic Items:

  • All types of plastic bags, excluding garbage bin liners.

  • Disposable plastic items -- spoons, forks, cups, glasses etc.

  • Disposable thermocol items -- plates, bowls, containers, glasses, etc.

  • Plastic wrap used for packaging or storing products.

  • Plastic pouches for storing liquid.

  • Plastic packaging for food items.

  • Plastic and thermocol decoration material.

The list of plastic items exempted from the ban:

  • PET bottles (0.5 litres)

  • Packaging material for solid waste, medicines and agriculture sector.

  • Bags or sheets used for plants in nurseries.

  • Foodgrain virgin bags over 50 microns.

  • Milk pouches over 50 microns.

  • Plastic cover/plastic to wrap the material at the manufacturing stage.

The purpose behind the plastic ban across the state is to reduce the number of single-use plastic from daily life. In Mumbai, the civic body is undertaking several initiatives and is reportedly organising a three-day long exhibition at the National Sports Club of India (NSCL) between June 22 to June 24 at Worli. Bollywood Stars Ajay Devgan and Kajol are believed to grace the occasion and encourage people to make Mumbai Plastic-free during the event.

The Maharashtra government has also formed different committees for recommendations from other professionals to make the ban successful and to suggest replacements for plastic. Aditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, demanded the plastic ban in Maharashtra. It was after his request that the statewide plastic ban was imposed. The move has received appreciation from different groups, especially nature lovers who are fighting against plastic use from a long time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2018 01:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).