Maharashtra plastic ban: Retailers say it is impractical in many cases

The government has banned manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as bags, spoons, plates and other disposable items

Current Affairs News: Retailers, especially food and grocery chains, are grappling with the newly-implemented plastic ban in Maharashtra, saying that it is impractical in many instances.

"For liquid items, what alternative do we have. When we have to move goods from one market to another, there is no alternative. Wherever it is possible, we have used an alternative but in many places, we do not know what to do," said Rakesh Biyani, joint managing director at Future Retail.

Neville Noronha, managing director of D-Mart, said that the ban was unfair in commodities such as fresh produce and staples, among others, which are sold in small quantities.

"If manufacturers can package the product with plastic, we also should be allowed to package products at the shop floor," he said.

The government notification banned manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as bags, spoons, plates and other disposable items. The ban also includes packaging material and thermocol. However, plastic used for packaging of medicines and drugs, milk and handling of solid waste is exempted from the ban.

The government had given a three-month window to businesses to get rid of existing stock. The ban was imposed by Maharashtra from Saturday.

The fine for 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.