“BMC has formed a team of 249 inspectors, who will be visiting shops, malls, markets, hawkers and vendors to crack a whip on banned plastic. The deadline comes to an end on June 23, after which, the plastic ban will be implemented across the state.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made it clear that if an offender is caught carrying the banned plastic thrice, an offence will be registered against him in a criminal court along with a fine of Rs 25,000 and a three-month jail-term.”The PETG Film Sleevemaker-GH45 state government, on the occasion of Gudi Padva, announced a ban on several plastic items. However, a third-time offender will be fined Rs 25,000 and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.Dr P.

Nidhi Chaudhari, deputy municipal commissioner (special), said, “A fine of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 will be charged for the first- and second- time offence, respectively.”Ms Chaudhari was speaking at a seminar, “Understanding the Plastic Ban” organised by VCAN, a citizens’ group, on Thursday. The offence will be criminal in nature.

Carrying banned plastic repeatedly can land you in a criminal court. Anbalagan, secretary, Maharashtra pollution control board (MPCB), said that the ban would be applicable to plastic carry bags, cutlery and thermocol. Later, it decided to give a three-month extension to allow people to dispose the banned plastic items.Indrani Malkani, chairperson, VCAN, said, “There is a lot of confusion among people about the plastic ban. Hence, there is a need to create public awareness. “Primarily single-use plastic items have been included in the ban to prevent their use,” he said