Maharashtra cracks down on plastic flowers in banquet halls and events

Growing popularity of non-biodegradable plastic, including flowers, is impacting traditional floriculture sector. Representation pic/istock

Banquet halls, event venues, and vendors selling plastic flowers are set to face stricter scrutiny as the Maharashtra government moves to enforce its ban on non-biodegradable plastics. Municipal corporations will issue notices to halls, directing them to avoid such decorative materials, while action is being considered against violators.

Environmental concerns

Raising the issue in the Legislative Council, BJP MLA Pravin Darekar flagged the environmental damage caused by plastic flowers and their impact on the floriculture sector. NCP (SP) MLC Shashikant Shinde questioned how banned products continue to be sold openly and demanded stricter action.

Ban scope

Responding to the members' query, State Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said that concerned agencies carry out regular inspections and take action against violators. "Not only flowers, but beyond this the ban includes thermocol and all types of non-biodegradable plastic," Munde added.

Special drives

CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that civic bodies will conduct special drives to curb violations. The govt will also amend existing notifications to strengthen enforcement.

Season relief

Considering the ongoing wedding season, SS (UBT) MLC Anil Parab sought a grace period. Fadnavis agreed, saying enforcement will begin after a reasonable window.

Reason for the action

The growing popularity of non-biodegradable plastic, including flowers, in cities such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mumbai, and Pune, is adversely impacting the traditional floriculture sector.

Enforcement data

1,24,783
Establishments inspected

3390
Establishments fined

67.54
Tonnes of plastic seized