Mumbai: A week after announcing the plastic ban, the State government seems to have realised the difficulties in the implementation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said a three-member Cabinet sub-committee will hold consultations with stakeholders in the next three months.
“We are aware of the demands from the industry involved in manufacturing plastic tools,” Mr. Fadnavis said on the last day of the budget session of the legislature.
The notification of the ban says violators will be fined ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 for first and second-time offence. A third-time offender will be fined ₹25,000 and can face imprisonment up to three months. The State has given one month to consumers, shopkeepers, traders, and manufacturers to dispose of the banned items. Following the CM’s announcement, no action will be taken at least for three months.
Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said no party stands opposed to the plastic ban. “But there has to be proper planning, and options should be made available. There are complaints about no talks being held with plastic manufacturers, who offer thousands of jobs.”
Opposition members demanded that a six-month period be given for the preparation of the ban. “We will first give three months for the sub-committee and if need arises, the period can be extended for three more months,” said Mr. Fadnavis.
Meanwhile, the All India Plastics Manufactures’ Association (AIPMA) on Wednesday opposed the ban, saying it is the consumer and not plastic, who is to blame.
Hiten Bheda, president, AIPMA, said, “Plastic has always served us. The government needs to rethink its decision. All environmental issues will be resolved if consumers stop littering.”
