Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The municipal corporation has intensified its drive against banned plastic, taking decisive action for the second consecutive day in the Angoori Baugh area. On Thursday, officials seized 4,630 kg of carry bags from three separate warehouses. Over the past two days, nearly 10,000 kg of banned plastic stock, worth around Rs 20 lakh, has been confiscated, preventing nearly 35 lakh carry bags from entering the market.
This is considered one of the largest crackdowns in the corporation’s history. The ongoing action has created panic among traders dealing in carry bags and single-use plastics. Starting at 10 am, teams from the Solid Waste Management section and Nagarik Mitra Pathak (NMP) squads combed through Angoori Baugh and Moti Karanja areas, uncovering three warehouses stocked with banned materials. Officials were stunned by the sheer volume of goods. The seizure process, including documentation and weighing, continued until 5 pm.
The confiscated stock included carry bags and other single-use plastic items linked to Gangwal Plastic, S.K. Plastic, and S.P. Plastic. A fine of Rs 25,000 each (totalling Rs 75,000) was imposed on the traders. Deputy Commissioner Nandkishor Bhombe warned that stricter action, including criminal cases, would be initiated if banned plastic is found again. The seized material was later shredded at a facility in Harsul.
Mayor reviews action
The mayor Sameer Rajurkar visited Angoori Baugh and Moti Karanja during the operation, inspected the drive, and issued instructions to officials. He also reviewed the day’s action and questioned why the serious environmental impact of banned plastic is still being ignored.
Call to stop plastic use
Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedge reiterated the corporation’s commitment to making the city plastic-free. He urged traders and citizens to comply with regulations, warning of strict action against violators.
Traders assure cooperation
Later in the evening, representatives of the Plastic Association met Deputy Commissioner Bhombe at the Smart City office. They assured full cooperation in preventing the sale of banned plastic. One trader, Anuj Chandiwal, even volunteered to surrender banned plastic spoons to the civic body.