Pune: PMC to act against single-use plastic manufacturers

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is intensifying its battle against plastic pollution by targeting manufacturers for the first time. The PMC’s solid waste management department recently submitted a proposal to PMC chief Rajendra Bhosale, seeking action against single-use plastic manufacturing units within and outside municipal limits, in collaboration with other governing bodies.

Sandip Kadam, Head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management department, emphasized the importance of targeting the source of illegal plastic products to prevent them from entering the market. Despite special teams already in place to curb the sale and use of banned plastic, approving this proposal would bolster efforts to tackle the issue at its roots.

This move aligns with the Maharashtra government’s ban on plastics, which was declared in March 2018 alongside the implementation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued a notification on March 12 instructing the PMC to enhance surveillance on the production, sale, usage, and exchange of banned single-use plastic.

To enforce the ban, PMC imposes fines ranging from ₹5,000 for first-time offenders, ₹10k for second-time violations and ₹25,000 for repeated violations. According to a civic official, since January 2024, PMC has collected 823 kg of illegal plastic.

This proactive approach by the PMC underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and underscores the importance of collective efforts to combat this environmental menace. By targeting manufacturers, authorities aim to disrupt the supply chain of illegal plastic products, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for Pune and its residents.