Pune: PMC Cracks Down on Plastic Carrybag Usage, Fines Up to Rs 25,000 for Violators
Pune, 9th December 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is urging residents to abstain from using plastic bags, warning of fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for violators.
The fines are structured as follows: Rs 5,000 for a first-time violation, Rs 10,000 for a second-time violation, and Rs 25,000 for a third-time violation. Kadam stressed that persistent violators, even after three offenses, would face criminal action.
Sandip Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management at PMC, emphasized the ongoing efforts to enforce penalties on those using plastic bags. Integrated squads have been deployed at ward office levels to conduct surprise inspections and take swift action against offenders.
This initiative aligns with the state government’s directives issued on March 23, 2018, aimed at curbing the use of plastic and thermocol products. The regulations encompass manufacturing, usage, sale, transport, handling, and storage, with the primary goal of discouraging the promotion and use of low-quality plastic.
The city grapples with a daily garbage output of nearly 1,600 metric tonnes. Among this, approximately 250 tonnes constitute wet garbage, 850 tonnes are dry garbage, and 500 tonnes are mixed garbage. Plastic constitutes about 15% of the total garbage generated.
