Retailers in Mumbai exempted from plastic ban but with certain conditions apply

Mumbai, June 28: With Mumbaikars getting used to the plight of the plastic ban in the state of Maharashtra, the retailers have gone through a major loss. In order to subdue the loss of the retailers, the Maharashtra government and the environment department have slated certain points for them to use plastics.

With the increasing concern among the people pertaining to the use of plastic, the retailers threatened to come down the streets to express their displeasure on use of plastic. A day after retailers across Maharashtra threatened to go in a strike against the plastic ban imposed by the government; State Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam announced a relaxation in rules for general and grocery store operators.

The shops selling grocery products for mass consumption have to deliberately use plastic as they have no other substitute. The minister further clarified saying that the ban on plastic carry bags given to purchasers would continue to remain in place. Addressing the media, Ramdas Kadam said that the ban on plastic remains the same as earlier only the retailers have exempted from this rule. 

 

Allowing the decision to impose exemption, the minister also confirmed saying that the retailers have to set a mechanism on recycling the plastic. The panel set for taking a decision on the issues people face due to plastic ban has said that the government will relax sale of plastic only for the retailers.

This is, however, the third decision on the plastic ban in three months. Earlier the state had imposed the ban on PET and PETE bottles, used by soft drink and bottled water companies in the state. Revoking its decision, it is now necessary for the government to set a systematic substitute for the ban on plastic as people are confused and also a proper circular needs to be submitted on what should be used and cannot be used.