BMC to raid factories of plastic bag manufacturers

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to conduct raids in godowns and factories that manufacture single-use plastic bags as they are still being widely used by retailers and wholesalers.
Since the plastic bag manufacturing units are located outside the BMC’s jurisdiction, the civic body will take help from the Khurda district administration to implement the move.
“We, along with the Khurda district administration, will jointly carry out the raids. I will talk to the Khurda collector. The Khurda sub-collector is aware of our plan regarding the drive. The manufacturing units are supplying single-use plastic bags in bulk to retailers. Most of the shopkeepers opt for smaller quantity of such bags anduse them in a day. So, it is wise to put a break on manufacturing itself,” said BMC commissioner Vijay Kulange.
From July 1, the BMC started enforcing a ban on the use of single-use plastic. The ban, based on the Centre's guidelines, asked urban local bodies to stop using such polythene bags. While vendors who sell plastic carry bags and other items such as balloons, flags and decorative pieces are being fined, awareness is being spread on avoiding the usage of plastic plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, trays, straws and sweet boxes and other such banned items.
BMC officials also said the data of plastic product suppliers will be obtained from the GST department. The details of bulk suppliers can only be divulged as they have their unique GST number and trade particulars with address.
At present, raids are being conducted by a BMCs squad comprising 10 personnel, including a zonal deputy commissioner, police and other BMC officials.
Along with surprise checks, shoppers and shopkeepers are also being sensitised to avoid using polythene carry bags.