In a major crackdown, VVMC seized nine tonnes of banned plastic from a godown in Palghar’s Nalasopara area, marking the largest such haul to date. A Rs 5,000 fine was imposed, and authorities warned of strict penalties, including imprisonment, for repeat offenders
Representational Image. File Pic
In a significant breakthrough, the civic officials on Saturday seized as many as nine tonnes of banned plastic from a godown in Maharashtra's Palghar district.
As reported by news agency PTI, acting on specific inputs, a team of personnel from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) reached the godown at Sari Compound, Achhole, in the Nalasopara area on Friday and found the banned plastic stock kept there.
The official statement released by the civic authorities says that this is the largest seizure of prohibited plastic by VVMC.
The civic officials emphasised, "A fine of Rs 5,000 has been recovered from the godown owners, and punitive action has been initiated," as cited by news agency PTI.
The release issued by the civic authority also stated that “anyone manufacturing, storing, selling, or using banned plastic will face penalties of Rs 5,000 for a first offence, Rs 10,000 for the second, and Rs 25,000 along with three months' imprisonment for repeated violations,” as quoted by news agency PTI.
BMC clears 50 illegal stalls in Mulund
In a different scenario, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s T ward on Wednesday, December 3, launched a crackdown on hawkers encroaching on footpaths and roads in Mulund, a day after clashes broke out between residents and hawkers over illegal occupation of public spaces.
The Mumbai civic authorities removed more than 50 hawkers from the Mulund market area and nearby arterial roads. On Tuesday, two separate altercations took place between locals and hawkers over encroachments on RRT Road, Ganesh Gawde Road and Walji Raja Road. Residents alleged they were verbally abused and threatened when they objected, prompting two police complaints from citizens who say they have been raising the issue for over two years.
Nirmal Thakkar, a Mulund resident and member of the citizens’ group Jagrut Mulundkar, and one of the complainants, said, “After the two incidents on Tuesday, we also approached the DCP, who assured us that action will be taken against hawkers who are threatening residents.”
Residents also said that the hawkers have increasingly taken over footpaths and road corners, creating severe congestion.
While writing a letter to the BMC earlier this year, resident Sharad Sejpal wrote, “For years hawkers have been selling on the roadside, but in recent months they have taken things to the extreme. They have encroached on sidewalks and set up bases at every junction. Pregnant women, the elderly, schoolchildren and all Mulundkars are struggling to walk and drive. Traffic problems are increasing. Is this acceptable?”
(With inputs from PTI)
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