SMC proposal to make registration must for shops using plastic

Surat: After publishing a notification of banning sale of plastic water pouches, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to make it mandatory for all shops and establishments that use or sell plastic-made products to obtain registration. SMC has seized 2 tonnes of plastic in the last four days and on Wednesday, 72,810 plastic water pouches were seized.
Following Ahmedabad and Rajkot municipal corporations, SMC has also imposed ban on plastic water pouches from June 13. Along with plastic water pouches, under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, the ban is also being imposed on using cheap and extra light quality of plastic in pan masala wrappings, cups, carry bags etc with an intention of regulating plastic waste in the city.

In the public notification, it is stated that these products made from cheap plastic can choke up drains. The notification further states that those violating the order would be punished under the Section 376 A of GPMC Act 1949 and if required they would be punished under the CRPC Section 133 for creating public nuisance.

SMC has also prepared a proposal of mandatory registration for all shops and establishments who use plastic. That is, if a showroom uses plastic carry bags for delivery, they would have to register with the civic body.

Talking to TOI, municipal commissioner M Thennarasan said, “Water pouches are there in the city in large numbers and the issue of clogging of drains and similar such things do come up. As far as milk pouches are concerned, they are generally disposed properly and forms a part of essential commodity. Still, we would look into it.”

With regard to registration for using plastic of any nature, municipal commissioner said it is a part of dealing with plastic menace in a right way.

An official of SMC said we would like to see city plastic free and for that an intense campaign would be run in the coming days, especially in monsoon.