Plastic-coated cups still used at Ghatanji tea stalls despite ban, citizens question civic body checks
Citizens want the Ghatanji Nagar Parishad to explain how many inspections it has made, as plastic and plastic-coated cups remain in use in Yavatmal district town.
Plastic cups are being used at many tea stalls, eateries and food-selling outlets in Ghatanji town in Yavatmal district. At some places, plastic-coated or laminated disposable cups are also in use. The Maharashtra government has imposed several restrictions on plastic and single-use plastic items to protect the environment, yet the cups are still seen in the town.
There is a clear provision for action against the use of such items, but the rules do not appear to be enforced in the town. This has led to questions about the administration's functioning.
The Maharashtra government's Environment and Climate Change Department issued a notification on July 15, 2022, amending the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products Notification, 2018. It bans single-use items such as plastic-coated and laminated disposable dishes, cups, plates, glasses, forks, bowls and containers.
Under the Centre's Plastic Waste Management Rules, plastic cups and glasses were also included from July 1, 2022 among specified single-use plastic items. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has directed traders, shopkeepers, street vendors, hotels and other commercial establishments to stop the production, stocking, distribution, sale and use of such items. Violations attract fines and action.
According to the same information, the local self-government body has the authority to fine the seller, the shopkeeper and the user alike. It is also responsible for inspecting commercial premises in the town where banned plastic cups are being used.
Citizens therefore want to know from the Ghatanji Nagar Parishad administration how many inspections have been carried out in the town so far, how many shopkeepers have been acted against, how much fine has been collected and how much banned plastic material has been seized.
Citizens demand that awareness campaigns alone are not enough and that action be taken on the ground. People are urged to avoid plastic to keep the town clean. But if traders who break the rules are not inspected regularly and fined, citizens ask how much effect such appeals will have.
Moreshwar Vatile said the government has framed clear rules on the plastic ban. If plastic or plastic-coated cups are still being used in Ghatanji for tea and other hot drinks, he said, it is a serious matter for the administration's inspection system. According to him, the Nagar Parishad should not limit itself to awareness drives but should conduct regular inspections and fine violators as per the rules.
