Pune: Despite a ban on plastic bags, wholesale markets in Pune continue to openly sell and supply plastic. Today, the central anti-plastic squad of the municipal corporation intercepted 300 kilograms of banned plastic bags being transported within the city.
The action took place around 1:30 PM near the Balgandharva Rangmandir, resulting in a fine of Rs 10,000 being levied. This is part of the municipal corporation's efforts to curb plastic usage during the Palkhi festival, which attracts millions of devotees to Pune.
To enforce the plastic ban, the municipal corporation has established a central anti-plastic squad. Today, this team caught a tempo transporting a large quantity of plastic bags on Jangli Maharaj Road.
The tempo driver provided evasive answers when questioned. In accordance with the law, the municipal team imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 and seized 300 kilograms of plastic bags from the vehicle.
Key officials involved in this operation were Chief Health Inspector I.S. Inamdar, Health Inspectors Shahu Pokale, Umesh Devkar, Rajesh Raskar, Amol Pawar, and Jalindar Chandgude.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has enforced a comprehensive plastic ban throughout the city. Under this initiative, the consumption, storage, distribution, and production of plastic are no longer permitted.
Strict action is being taken against those who violate these regulations. Therefore, all citizens are requested to immediately deposit any plastic items at the nearest Aarogya Kothi of the Pune Municipal Corporation. Citizens can deposit their plastic between 8 am and 11 pm every day.
The PMC Solid Waste Management (SWM) department had submitted a proposal to PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale last week. This proposal was also sent to the PMC legal department, and seeks action against single-use plastic manufacturing units within and outside municipal limits, with assistance from other governing bodies.
Although special teams already monitor the sale, exchange, and use of banned plastics, SWM department officials believe that approval of this proposal will help target the source of illegal plastic products and prevent them from entering the market.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has also issued a notification directing the civic body to increase vigilance on the production, sale, usage, and exchange of banned single-use plastics. The Maharashtra government declared a ban on plastics in March 2018, prior to implementing the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
