Editor's Note: The plastic ban in Maharashtra has been much talked about since it was enforced on 23 June. This two-part series examines the manner in which authorities could have better addressed its implementation and how the government sees its project unfolding.
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Plastic bags less than 50 microns (which are banned countrywide) are thrown on the streets carelessly. Consequently, they block sewer lines and arteries of storm water drains. Everyone must think over it and cooperate with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation — this was one of the challenges the BMC listed in its2016-17 report on solid waste management.
A year later, on 23 March, 2018, the Maharashtra government issued a notification imposing a statewide ban on plastic products. The ban is on the manufacture, use, transport, distribution, wholesale and retail sale and storage and import of plastic bags (both with and without a handle) and single-use disposable dishes, cups, plates and glasses, plastic packaging to wrap or store products, and thermocol containers and decoratives.
Hurried implementation and lack of preparation
The rule meant that shopkeepers, retailers, packaging industries and other stakeholders had three months to prepare for the ban on plastic products. That's hardly any time to find and adapt to using alternatives.
"A ban like this needs time and preparation," said Swati Singh Sambyal, programme manager for environmental governance at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). "Three months is not enough time to ensure that the ban is successful. It should have been implemented in phases."
