Shopkeepers in Malad and Linking Road market in Bandra said they weren’t clear on what the ban implied, and that they were facing difficulties in selling their wares without plastic bags or wrapping. Customers, too, said they were confused.
Ashish Zore, a shopkeeper in Natraj market, Malad, said, “We don’t know if transparent bags are also banned. As of now, we’re using them. We’ve also placed an order for cloth bags. Till then, we’ll have to rely on customers getting their own bags.” Jay Singh, a vegetable vendor outside Malad station, added, “Some customers refused to buy vegetables because I’ve stopped using plastic bags.”
At Linking Road market, some vendors were seen using large blue plastic bags for storing their wares. Altamash Shaikh, a street vendor, said, “BMC officials came in the morning and asked me about the plastic bags I’m using. I asked them to give me another day, and they agreed. I will now switch to cloth bags.”
Manisha Seth, a customer using a plastic bag, said, “I’m very aware of the ban, but how do I use paper and cloth bags in the rain? It is a ridiculous decision by the government. They need to give better and cheaper alternatives.”