- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Intensifying their campaign to enforce the ban on single-use plastic items, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on Monday announced hefty fines for violators effective from July 1. According to new rules, street vendors caught using items like straws, plastic bags, and disposable cutlery will face fines starting at Rs 200 for the first offence, escalating to Rs 500 for subsequent violations and Rs 1,000 for the third violation. Commercial entities, including traders and stockists, will incur fines of Rs 2,000, Rs 5,000, and Rs 10,000 for similar violations, with provisions for temporary or permanent closure for repeat offenders.
To ensure compliance with the ban on single-use plastic items, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) will deploy a team of inspectors to conduct regular checks across various establishments. These include apni mandis, grocery stores, and other businesses involved in the use or sale of single-use plastic items. Repeat offenders will face escalated penalties, as per a Hindustan Times report.
Municipal commissioner Anindita Mitra emphasised the corporation's dedication to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for city residents. She highlighted that the ban on single-use plastic is a pivotal measure in achieving this objective.
Mitra urged citizens to contribute by bringing their own cloth bags when shopping. Additionally, she noted that imposing significant fines on those violating the ban aims to promote eco-friendly practises that benefit the planet's well-being.
Recently, the Karnataka government decided to allow sale and use of plant-based compostable carry bags that biodegrade within 180 days. The move has put an end to the prevailing confusion over the use of biodegradable and compostable bags in the state.
Reviewing the implementation of the ban order on single use plastic across Karnataka, forest, environment and ecology minister Eshwar Khandre last week directed officials to allow the manufacturing and sale of plant-based compostable and biodegradable bags that degenerate within 180-days.
The state govt, in 2016, ordered the ban on single use plastic items including carry bags which are biodegradable in nature. This had led to a lot of confusion among the general public as markets were flooded with biodegradable and compostable carry bags. Eventually, the state govt had reiterated that all forms of plastic carry bags were included under the ban.
