Plastic Ban: Maharashtra Govt forms panel, for the fourth time, to look into manufacturers’ suggestions

Mumbai, Apr 18 (KNN) A month after ordering ban pf various single-use plastic items, the Maharashtra Government has formed a committee to look into the issues faced by the manufacturers and suggestions made by them.

The panel formed by the Maharashtra government on Monday will specifically look at suggestions given by plastic manufacturers regarding its production, use and recycling.

After several appeals made by the plastic manufacturers, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis decided to form the secretary-level committee, the fourth panel formed since the ban was imposed on March 23, 2018.

On the committee are Additional chief secretary to the CM Pravin Pardeshi, additional chief secretary in the Environment Department Satish Gavai, additional chief secretary (Industries) Sunil Porwal and member secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board P Anbalagan.

Monday’s meeting was also attended by three Shiv Sena leaders — Minister for Environment Ramdas Kadam, Minister for Industries Subhash Desai and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray.

Four associations of plastic manufacturers made a presentation opposing the plastic ban. They have urged the government that thick plastics, that can be recycled or disposed of easily, should be exempt from the revised notifications.

According to some reports, the state environment ministry is likely to exempt bags used to pack garments, take-away food containers, plastic glasses, bowls, etc. from the ban. (KNN Bureau)