Plastic ban: PCMC collects Rs 1.45 lakhs fine in two months

The fine was collected by the civic administration from residents, roadside hawkers and shopkeepers for using prohibited plastic in April and May this year.

The implementation of plastic ban, announced by the state government on March 23, has contributed to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) exchequer Rs 1.45 lakhs in two months. The fine was collected by the civic administration from residents, roadside hawkers and shopkeepers for using prohibited plastic in April and May this year.

Action has been taken only against small shopkeepers, hawkers and residents, who use prohibited plastic which are non-recyclable under the Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture and Usage) Rules, 2006. (HT REPRESENTAtIVE PHOTO)

Dilip Gawde, PCMC additional commissioner, said, “Following the state government guidelines issued on March 23, we conducted a plastic free campaign covering the regional offices between March 23 and June 1. Apart from raising awareness of plastic pollution, we collected 2,190 kg plastic bags and Rs 1.45 lakhs as fine.” The civic administration collected the highest fine of Rs 45,000 from ‘F’ regional office.

Action has been taken only against small shopkeepers, hawkers and residents, who use prohibited plastic which are non-recyclable under the Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture and Usage) Rules, 2006. Gawde said, “We are charging Rs 5,000 fine from first time violators and Rs 10,000 from second time offenders. We are not filing any police case against them. We need adequate manpower to strictly follow the plastic ban drive.”

Fine collected by regional offices (Rs )

A 10,000

B 15,000

C 10,000

D 10,000

E 30,000

F 45,000

G 20,000

H 5,000