While automotive plastic molding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is claiming big achievements over the plastic ban implementation, civic activists and citizens have alleged that civic body’s action has been slowed down after the initial burst.After the plastic ban came into force from June 23, the BMC started taking action against banned plastic by forming special teams of inspectors, which are called as blue squads.According to civic activists, people had taken the plastic ban into right spirit and had started supporting it. However, with the action now becoming slack, the impact of the ban is fading away.Civic activist Nikhil Desai from Matunga said, "The BMC is giving tall figures to emphasize on the success of plastic ban. But the fact is that the initial effect is no more. Many people had stopped using plastic carry bags for the fear of violating the ban. However, these bags are now seen everywhere. Whenever I visit Matunga market, I see lot of people, including vendors, using plastic carry bags."Activists have also called for greater public awareness for the effective implementation of ban.

There is a need of creating more awareness among people about the plastic ban. The BMC initially had taken several steps in that direction. But it now seems to be lacking in it. There should be sustained efforts from the BMC to enlighten people about the ban."Citizens have said that despite the ban, the plastic bags are available everywhere. "Just next to the BMC headquarters, I find hawkers selling banned plastic garbage bags on the foot-over bridge. If this is the situation near the BMC office, you can imagine the scene in other parts of the city," said Rudresh Satpute from Lalbaug.

Hide Comments | Add Comment