Municipal Corporation of Gurugram yet to penalise those using plastic bags

The MCG official responsible to enforce penalization -- which is a fine of Rs 25,000 -- on plastic violations can recollect the last action taking place as back as November 2016 when NGT had banned construction activities and burning of waste across NCR to bring smog situation under control.

It seems the National Green Tribunal (NGT) may have to turn its attention across the Delhi border to invoke action from local authorities as the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) officials do not have any records on penalizing any offenders regarding misuse of plastic bags this year.

People using polythene bags at Sector-12 in Gurgaon. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

The MCG official responsible to enforce penalization -- which is a fine of Rs 25,000 -- on plastic violations can recollect the last action taking place as back as November 2016 when NGT had banned construction activities and burning of waste across NCR to bring smog situation under control.

Aside from this, the last initiative MCG has conducted was an awareness drive against use of polythene in sector 56 HUDA market in February.

Prior to this, the MCG has conducted raids in February 2016 and August 2015 in the last six years.

MCG Commissioner, V Umashankar conceded that the MCG’s effort against plastic ban has been poor and stated that the civic body is looking towards finding a long-term solution rather than carrying out infrequent raids.

“The MCG and district administration in collaboration with NGO’s are looking towards finding an end-to-end solution for the plastic crisis. Some of the modulations discussed are introducing high micron bags, cloth bags and jute bags in the local market and simultaneously carrying out enforcement and awareness campaigns for one month. However, the outlines are still at a nuanced stage,” Umashankar said.

He said the MCG is in a tie-up with Bhonsi jail authorities where inmates are producing cloth bags that are being distributed in local markets across the city.

Gurgaon residents have also taken initiatives against the plastic ban by themselves.

In July, Uniworld Garden, an upscale gated condominium in Sector 47 on Sohna Road banned the use of plastic bags in its locality and advised residents to use cloth bags instead.