Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its efforts to combat plastic pollution with a series of high-impact enforcement drives across the city. In the past week, the civic body successfully seized 400 kg of banned plastic as part of its ongoing crackdown on plastic use, ahead of the festive season.
The NMMC’s flying squads have been actively patrolling the city, conducting surprise inspections, and targeting offenders. The Zone 1 team led the charge, confiscating 300 kg of banned plastic in one of the biggest operations. Meanwhile, the Zone 2 team intercepted a major illegal transportation of plastic bags at Airoli Toll Naka on March 27. Following a tip-off, the team seized 100 kg of plastic bags being transported on a two-wheeler and impounded the vehicle.
The crackdown continued on March 28, when the team seized another 40 kg of plastic from an electric two-wheeler in Mahape. Several local businesses were also penalized for violating the plastic ban. Ramdev Sweets in Digha and New Prem Sweets in Ghansoli were fined ₹5,000 each for using single-use plastic, while Ajay Fruit Vendor in Airoli and Bismillah Catering in Sector 19 were similarly fined and had their stock of banned plastic confiscated.
On March 31, NMMC squads carried out further operations in Ghansoli's Shivaji Lake and Vashi’s Sector 7, seizing plastic bags and imposing fines. The action continued on April 1, when a TVS scooter rider transporting plastic bags at Airoli Toll Naka was fined Rs 5,000.
The NMMC has emphasized that the purpose of these operations is not solely to impose fines but to protect the environment from the harmful effects of plastic pollution. The civic body is urging residents to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags and support initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment.
By strengthening the enforcement of the plastic ban, NMMC hopes to make significant strides toward reducing plastic waste and improving the overall sustainability of the city.