The Indian state of Maharashtra has banned the use of plastic with repeat offenders to be fined up to Rs 25,000.
The ban which came into effect on June 23rd will see the state penalise all those who are found using plastic products, including single-use disposable items.
The ban was enforced after the government had issued the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (manufacture, usage, sale, transport, handling, and storage) notification in March this year.
The government had given the manufacturers, distributors, and consumers a period of three months to dispose their existing stock and come up with alternatives to plastic usage.
As per the notification, violators will be fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first and second-time offense. A third-time offender will have to shell out Rs 25,000 and may also face imprisonment for a period of three months.
“We want to promote responsible use of plastic. Therefore, we have banned the kind of plastic that cannot be collected, regulated and recycled,” said Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
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