Green's The Way: Maharashtra Government Bans Plastic Bags Starting Today

Maharashtra Government has implanted a state-wide ban on plastic beginning today, 18th March 2018. We’ve got the deets.

According to NDTV, Ramdas Kadam, Maharashtra’s Environment Minister aimed to phase out plastic carry bags by Gudi Padwa {Maharashtrian New Year} on March, 2018. An official in the state environment department said the ban will cover plastic carry bags, thermocol and plastic plates, cups, forks, bowls and spoons.

The idea has been floating around for years. In fact, post the 2005 torrential rains and flooding, the environment ministry had proposed the ban back then, limiting it to below 59 microns. However, now the plan is to slowly phase out the plastic bags, encourage and engage with more women self-help groups, and NGOs to advance the use of cloth bags.

Previously, the Delhi government had imposed a ban on plastic bags, and the National Green Tribune had declared a fine of INR 5,000 on the usage of that.

Here’s to a greener and more sustainable future. The ban is a welcome change, and it won’t choke the beaches and roads of cities such as Mumbai, Pune, etc. This will also help in avoiding the debacle of plastic choking the drains, in the case of monsoon flooding.