Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) continued its crackdown on plastic use by conducting surprise inspections in marketplaces. As part of this effort, special teams of NMMC collected fines and seized banned plastic materials from commercial establishments in Kopar Khairane.
On March 17, a flying squad from Zone 2 raided Mahavir Falooda in Sector 14 and confiscated 1 kg of plastic bags, imposing a fine of Rs 5,000. The following day, March 18, another inspection at the Friend Circle store in the same area led to the seizure of 1.5 kg of plastic bags and an additional Rs 5,000 fine.
Earlier, NMMC carried out a special enforcement drive on March 10, 2025, targeting markets across the city. The drive resulted in the collection of Rs1.65 lakh in fines and the seizure of 71.6 kg of plastic bags and single-use plastics.
With growing concerns about the environmental and health risks posed by plastic waste, NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has urged residents to stop using plastic bags and adopt eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags. The civic body has also launched special inspection drives to discourage the use of paper bags.
The NMMC has warned that strict action will continue against violators to enforce the plastic ban and promote sustainable practices in the city.