Mumbai: Even as the state’s Environment Ministry is planning to impose a ban on plastic from Gudhi Padwa next year, it will be taken up on an experimental basis at the Mantralaya from Friday.
At a meeting with officials from the municipal corporations from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), district collectors, and divisional commissioners on Thursday, the Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam said there will be 100% ban on all types of plastic bags, wrappers, sachets, cups and plastic glasses. The ban will also be extended to Thermocol dishes and cups.
“While an alternative for plastic would be offered, in the initial stages all local bodies will conduct an awareness campaign with help from MPCB, on issues such as using cloth bag,” he said. The ban will be imposed in a phased manner across the state.
Mr. Kadam said, “We have invited proposals from various organisations to suggest alternatives to plastic bags. There is also a proposal to give subsidy to women self-help groups, and getting them to supply cloth bags.”
In Mantralaya, the department will be focusing on minimal use of plastic water bottles and for which water dispensers will be provided. The government is also planning to involve corporate companies to participate in the movement through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund to provide alternative for plastic.
On the government’s agenda, apart from water bottles, are milk pouches, cold drink bottles, containers and other goods. “Our main challenge would be to suggest a feasible alternative to plastic. We have begun working on that and will also involve experts in the field,” said an officer, who attended the meeting.
