Navi Mumbai News: NMMC Fines 6 Commercial Establishments ₹30,000, Seizes Over 36 Kg Of Plastic Bags In Crackdown On Banned Single-Use Plastics

Navi Mumbai: In a drive against the use of banned single-use plastics, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken action against six commercial establishments over the past four days. The civic body has collected fines amounting to Rs 30,000 and seized 36.3 kilograms of plastic bags from violators.

The initiative is being carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, with a focus on curbing the use of plastic bags and encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like cloth and paper bags. The action was led by the Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kailas Gaikwad and executed by the anti-plastic flying squad of the zone.

On May 1, Maharashtra Day, the squad intercepted a two-wheeler at the Mulund-Airoli Toll Naka attempting to transport plastic bags from Mumbai into Navi Mumbai. A 30-kg consignment was seized, and a fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed on the individual, identified as Rajesh Gupta.

On April 30, two shops in Ghansoli were penalized for using plastic bags. Shivshakti Stores had 1 kg of plastic bags confiscated and was fined Rs 5,000. Puja Traders was also fined Rs 5,000, with 500 grams of plastic bags seized.

The crackdown continued on May 3 in Koparkhairane, where DR BhanuShali and Sons in Sector 1 was fined Rs 5,000 and 1 kg of plastic was seized. Thorat Bandhu Kirana Stores in Sector 1 and Mahalaxmi Mart in Sector 6, Airoli, were also found violating the plastic ban. Each was fined Rs 5,000, and authorities seized 3 kg and 800 grams of plastic bags respectively.

NMMC has emphasized the environmental and health hazards posed by plastic use and urged citizens to avoid plastic bags entirely. Traders have also been advised not to stock or distribute plastic bags and to switch to sustainable packaging options.