Still haven't thrown out your plastic waste yet? Don't worry, it won't cost you Rs 5,000 anymore. But it's still best to get rid of it before June 23. The municipal corporation has now proposed dropping the fine to a minimum of R200 for first-time offenders, calling the R5,000 penalty "impractical". Starting with a range of Rs 200-Rs 500 for citizens and hawkers, the penalty varies for general stores, fruit and milk vendors, as well as hotels and malls.

As much as Mumbai needs strict penalties to curb the plastic menace, even environmental activists agree that a R5,000 fine is far too much. Environmentalist Rishi Aggarwal said, "It is a good idea to start the fine at Rs 200, as this will not lead to fights or conflict between offenders and the authorities. The BMC should grade the offenders and increase the penalty with repeat offences."