Mumbai, May 2: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started a toll-free number-- 1800222357 to inform people about the disposal of plastic and other queries related to plastic ban. The move comes after Environment Ministry of Maharashtra imposed a statewide blanket ban on plastic bags usage including cutlery and thermocol.

According to news reports, the toll-free number will act as a helpline for citizens. It has been found that even after a month, people are in a state of confusion regarding which plastic has been prohibited and which is in usage. Also, disposing of plastic seems to be a big task for them.

Many are worried if they are caught for using plastic, they will be penalised and imposed a hefty fine.  For using banned plastic Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 will be levelled depending upon the number of times the offence has been violated as per the new rule on the plastic ban.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 2006, had banned plastic of less than 50 microns thickness. But now, the government has banned all types of plastic, excluding Poly Ethylene Terephthalate(PET) bottles and milk pouches.

To implement the ban, civic commissioner Ajoy Mehta held a review meeting in April and asked to set up 20 collection centres at highest footfall places like markets to collect and recycle the plastic in the initial stage. Also, it had asked the team to upload the information about the cloth-bags and other eco-friendly bags makers to encourage the production in replacement of plastic.

Meanwhile, the BMC has also planned to form a special team to keep a check on those who are using banned plastic. To ensure team members do not adopt corrupt practices, BMC will publish names of officials along with the areas assigned to them for inspection. They will be given special uniforms and I-cards that will display their names.

The state environment Minister Ramdas Kadam is also mulling to allot Rs 2 crore to each district' to make cloth bags which are environment-friendly.  The final decision in this regard is yet to be taken.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2018 04:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).