Following the plastic ban across Maharashtra, hoteliers and shopkeepers are still not happy with the ban as they feel an alternative to plastic is not readily available in the market and this might affect their businesses.
Lalit Gala, who owns Hiren Dry Fruits in Girgaon, is of the opinion that the government should have introduced an alternative to plastic in the market before the ban.
“We’ve kept our customers in the loop about the plastic ban for the last one month but how we are supposed to pack loose food items like dry snacks and dry fruits? If we pack them in paper it will get spoiled in the rain and we fear we might lose our business. Besides, alternatives are a bit expensive for customers.”
Municipal corporations of Kolhapur, Nasik and Pune have started to take strict actions against violators in their areas.
In Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up a plastic collection point in every ward where residents can simply dispose off their plastic and thermocol items.
The BMC collects this and sends it to recycling units where recyclable plastic is treated while other plastics get disposed off.
According to available information, Mumbai’s ‘A’ Ward alone had received 500 kg of plastic in the last three days. BMC sends its own vehicles in areas where the collection of plastic and thermocol is especially voluminous.
Items that have been banned under the norms are plastic Bags, plastic untesils, cutlery, straws and containers. Thermocol products have been completely banned.
Items not banned are pet bottles, milk pouches, tiffin boxes, wrappers, Raincoats and bags used in farming have been excluded from the ban.
Lauding the BMC and government’s efforts, Shiv Sena leader and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray tweeted and congratulated them.
“I congratulate the citizens for making this into a movement, even before the ban was enforceable, giving up single use disposable plastic. Many restaurants, hotels have given up straws as well. We are taking steps towards cleaner rivers, oceans and closer by, cleaner nullahs,” he tweeted.
