SunCorp

The plastic ban in Mumbai seems to be finally taking off. Ever since the Maharashtra State Non-Biodegradable Garbage Control Ordinance was passed on March 1, the consumption of polythene looks like it’s reduced. Or so it seems.
The government has banned polythene or polypropylene plastic bags, manufactured less than 50 microns and are 20 cm X 30 cm. Mumbai seems to be becoming more alert in its crusade against plastic bags. The police have been raiding shops and factories since a couple of weeks to confiscate illegal plastic bags.

Here are a few examples that was mentioned by the leading daily The Afternoon Despatch & Courier, please read on.

They decided to go sleuthing on the streets and ask hawkers if they were indeed following the new rule.
Rajubhai has been a sandwich vendor since a couple of years now. He has a tiny stall on the bustling DN Road, where he makes plain and toasted vegetable sandwiches. When asked if he uses plastic bags to give a parcel to a customer, he proudly removes a stack of paper bags and says, “Ever since the plastic ban came into being, I have started using paper bags. The BMC has become really strict and they keep making frequent rounds to check whether we are using plastic or not. I buy my paper bags from a store nearby for Rs. 18 a kilo.”
The penalties for the usage or manufacturing of thin bags are fairly high. Shops and factories are being fined and are sometimes even closed for a month.
Another vendor, Ali, selling oranges said, “Usually customers carry their own bags but there are times when they don’t have one. I stock paper bags and they are more than happy to use them. I’ve been using paper bags since 20 days, as the BMC conducts surprise raids and confiscates our plastic bags. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he shrugs off.
Another vendor, Rajesh Kumar has his cart full of juicy grapes and a small pile of paper bags. “I thought that the ban wouldn’t be effective but so far I haven’t taken any chances. I give only paper bags to my customers.”
Environmental groups appreciate this ban and look forward to it being a lasting one. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has decided the fine for manufacturers and stores selling plastic bags to be Rs. 5000, while individuals using plastic bags will have to cough up Rs. 1000.
Mahesh Lunch Home, too, is using plastic bags, which are more than 50 microns. An inscription on each individual plastic bag specifies its thickness and quality.
Despite the ban being imposed, there are still many people who continue to unabashedly break the law. Naseem Sheikh, a hawker, who sells oranges and water-melons, said, “Arre madam, these bags are cheap and resistant. I don’t have the time to go specially buy paper bags just because the government suddenly wakes up from its slumber. The ban will soon die a slow death like everything else. If the government wants to save the environment, ask them first to clean up the Mithi River.” When pointed out that the Mithi River was clogged up with plastic, Sheikh simply shrugged and smiled.

I hope and pray that this ban does stays on forever and does not fade away like all the other regulations brought in by the government.

Salaam Mumbai!!!