Renewed Crackdown on Plastic Pollution to Commence in Mumbai

Mumbai, 13th August 2023: Efforts to curb plastic pollution in Mumbai are set to intensify once again, following directives from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The Mumbai Municipal Corporation is gearing up to establish dedicated teams for enforcing anti-plastic measures, with the involvement of both police and MPCB officials. The reinvigorated punitive campaign is scheduled to kick off on August 21 within the city.

In 2018, the state government implemented a comprehensive ban on plastic across Maharashtra, prompting the Municipal Corporation to initiate enforcement measures. Teams were mobilized to take action against banned plastic products. However, enforcement efforts waned over the following two years. With the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipal Corporation renewed its anti-plastic drive in July 2022.

Nonetheless, the pace of the campaign remained sluggish. Now, the MPCB is taking the lead in reinvigorating these efforts by partnering with the Municipal Corporation and the police. The Municipal Corporation’s Shops and Establishments Department has devised an action plan to expedite the ongoing campaign.

To execute this operation effectively, teams of five officers will be deployed within each administrative department office. Deputy Commissioner Sanjog Kabare disclosed that each team will comprise three Municipal Corporation officers, one MPCB representative, and one police officer. The MPCB has furnished the names of 25 designated officers to the Municipal Corporation, who will be accordingly assigned to form these teams. Officials have also confirmed that the actual enforcement action will commence on August 21.

These dedicated teams will target plastic bags used by shops, vendors, and hawkers, while also penalizing those involved in storing and vending prohibited plastic items such as packing boxes and single-use plastics. Customers found in possession of prohibited plastic items will receive warnings. Penalties for violations range from a fine of ₹5,000 for the first offense, ₹10,000 for the second, ₹25,000 for the third, to a three-month imprisonment.