Make thin plastic once,go to jail

Making the end user accountable is also new. “Citizens may not able to shell out huge fines if caught using plastic below 50 microns. They will not hesitate to pay a small amount and it will make them avoid committing their offence,” said deputy municipal commissioner (special) Rajendra Bhosale.

Another proposal is to widen the range of banned plastics,with the least permissible size raised from 50 microns to 70.

“We have suggested that manufacturers be imprisoned on the first offence. If they are targeted then polythene will not be in circulation,” Bhosale said.

Environment secretary Valsa Nair Singh said civic bodies are free to make their own rules. “If the BMC has proposed imprisonment for manufacturers we will support it,” she said. The state government is in the process of amending the Act and raising the fines.

In the last week,the Pollution Control Board has shut down four units for producing plastic below 50 microns. At city level,Mayor Shraddha Jadhav said,plans are on to tighten the size restriction.

“Himachal Pradesh has already banned plastic below 70 microns. We also plan to phase out plastic from the city and may soon raise the least permissible micron size,” she said.

The proposal will soon be tabled at the civic body for approval of all corporators before being sent to the state government.

All 92 municipal markets will also soon stop packing their sales in thin plastic carry bags. A stall with cloth and paper bags will be in place. Senior civic officials said talks are on with self-help group to supply non-plastic bags that can be sold in markets.

STATE LAW
* Rs 5,000 for first offence by manufacturer
* Rs 10,000 for second offence
* Rs 25,000 for third offence; manufacturer may also get 3 months in jail

CITY PROPOSAL
* 50 micron,present limit for manufacturers,violators may be jailed on first offence
* 70 microns,proposed new limit
* Rs 100,proposed fine on citizens carrying plastic bags