Raise Awareness, Not Fines: MPCB Suggests Pune Reduce Penalties for Plastic Bag Use
Raise Awareness, Not Fines: MPCB Suggests Pune Reduce Penalties for Plastic Bag Use
Pune, January 22, 2025: Instead of imposing higher fines on individuals using plastic bags, there is a need to raise awareness among citizens about avoiding their use. This suggestion was made by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Chairman, Siddhesh Kadam, during a meeting with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He emphasized that reducing fines could be a more effective way to encourage citizens to stop using banned plastic bags.
Kadam, along with senior MPCB officials, visited PMC to discuss pollution control measures. The meeting included discussions with PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., and other department heads. The focus was on measures to mitigate environmental damage caused by plastic bag usage, which remains rampant despite the ban.
Kadam highlighted that punitive measures alone might not be sufficient to curb the use of plastic bags. Instead, citizen engagement and awareness campaigns are essential to bring about behavioral change. He suggested that PMC amend its by-laws to reduce the fines associated with plastic bag usage.
In addition, Kadam announced plans to inspect sewage treatment plants in the city, as untreated wastewater is being discharged into rivers and streams, exacerbating water pollution.
