As the Maharashtra government is set to enforce the ban on a variety of plastic items from tomorrow, state Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam said errant manufacturers will face a strong action, but common people and small traders will not be harassed.

On March 23, the Maharashtra government imposed a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as one-time-use bags, spoons, plates, PET and PETE bottles and thermocol items.

The government gave three months for the disposal of existing stocks. Normally, 1,200 tonnes of plastic waste is generated in Maharashtra everyday.

Minister Kadam said an extensive awareness campaign will be carried out in the next eight days to inform about banned items.

The fine for the first-time and second-time offenders will be Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively. A third violation will attract a fine of Rs 25,000 and a jail term for three months.