Blinkit cloud kitchen slapped with Rs 5 lakh fine for waste and plastic violations
Noida Authority officials found that the establishment was not segregating waste at source and used single-use plastic for packaging among other violations
On February 13, police officers placed an order for a ‘Stanley’ life on Blinkit and it was delivered within 15 minutes. (File Photo) The Noida Authority on Monday imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on a cloud kitchen operated by Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd — the legal entity behind Blinkit, one of India’s largest app-based quick commerce platforms — for alleged violations of solid waste management and plastic ban norms.
Earlier this year, the mobile app-based platform, Blinkit, which used to earlier deliver groceries and other essentials, had expanded into delivery of ready-to-eat food items. The recently launched food-focused vertical, Bistro by Blinkit, delivers items such as coffee, sandwiches, rolls, burgers, finger foods, cakes, tea, chaat, juices, coolers, shakes, etc. — with deliveries promised within 15 minutes.
The action on Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd, was followed by a ground-level inspection of a cloud kitchen in Sector 62, conducted under the leadership of Noida Authority’s public health officer, as part of the its preparations for ‘Swachh Survekshan’, India’s annual cleanliness survey that ranks cities and towns on different metrics pertaining to sanitation, hygiene, and waste management.
“During the inspection, several serious deficiencies were found. The establishment was not segregating waste at source, liquid waste was being discharged into the sewer, and garbage was being handed over to unauthorised scrap dealers who were dumping it at different locations in the city,” the Noida Authority said.
Officials also found that the cloud kitchen was using single-use plastic for packaging, which is prohibited in Noida. Single-use plastic containers weighing around 50 kg were seized from the premises.
“The area around the building was extremely dirty, with food waste and garbage dumped in nearby parks and open spaces. Such practices are unacceptable for bulk waste generators,” the authority also stated.
Citing non-compliance with bulk waste generation regulations and Solid Waste Management Rules, the Noida Authority has imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the company and issued a warning of stricter punitive action in case of continued violations. Following this, the authority carried out an anti-plastic drive at Amrapali Princely Market in Noida Sector 76, during which shopkeepers were sensitised and enforcement action was taken against violators. Officials seized 150 kg of plastic from Cold Rock Cafe and 60 kg from Al Nawab Biryani. An inspection at RCube Monad Mall in Sector 42 later in the day led to the seizure of around 80 kg of single-use plastic.
Zepto licence cancelled in June
In June 2025, the FDA had suspended the licence of a cloud kitchen of quick commerce app Zepto in Mumbai’s Dharavi after detecting violations like fungal growth on food items, storage of products near stagnant water, storage of expired and fresh goods together, items placed on wet floor.
In January, an Instagram user visited the area where many cloud kitchens operate from, in Mumbai, leaving social media users shocked as it was surrounded by muddy streets and potholes.
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