The Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has seized 2,306 kg of plastic from six zones under its jurisdiction after the launch of an anti-plastic drive. The drive, which was carried out from October 16 to November 9, was aimed at making the city a no-plastic zone.
As part of the drive, the PCMC banned shops from selling and using plastic bags within its jurisdiction. Shops were directed to stop selling bags even above 50 microns and give out bags made of paper and cloth. The PCMC has roped in 17 self-help groups to make cloth bags and put them up for sale at the offices of the junior superintendent in the six zones. The bags will be priced between ₹3 and ₹10.
PCMC Commissioner Dr. Sudhakar Shinde said, “Resolution No. 10, calling for a complete ban on the sale and use of plastic bags was passed on September 19 this year. All shopkeepers, street vendors and large retailers were given ample time to begin using alternatives before the ban was enforced.”
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sandhya Bawankule said the seized bags were destroyed to prevent reuse. He said, “The corporation has roped in Subodh Nirmal Abhiyan to convert plastics into granules, which can be used in laying roads. Subodh Nirmal Abhiyan will pay PCMC ₹15 for each kg of plastic.”
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, said: “We have encouraged retailers to follow the law of the land. We have extended support to the government’s initiatives based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle. After consumers were asked to pay for plastic bags, the use of such bags has reduced significantly.”
