Bhubaneswar: Intensifying its drive against use of polythene and plastics, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has formed six exclusive squads to stop the use of the banned products.
“As per the direction of BMC Commissioner, all ZDCs will do plastic ban enforcement making at least two squads in their respective zones on every Wednesday from 8 am to 2 pm with the help of local police. So, the ZDCs will start their local squads right from tomorrow,” said an official communiqué.
There are three ZDCs under BMC, namely in North, South-East and South-West regions.
The six special squads which were formed by the three BMC Zonal Deputy Commissioners (ZDCs) were in addition to the two central squads already in action on stopping the use of polythene and plastics below the prescribed limits of 50 micron.
“Emphasis would be given on fish and meat markets, fruit markets and eateries etc. Under plastic enforcement activities, seizure of banned items, imposition of fines, issuing showcase notice etc shall be taken up by the zonal squads,” it added.
Sources said, within a short period the two central squads under BMC has so far collected a fine of more than Rs 40,000 and seized polythene/plastics amounting to more than three quintals from various markets, small business establishments and malls.
“We are also planning to impart awareness among president and secretaries of big market areas, some wholesale businessmen by calling them to BMC for attending training programme to be conducted next week,” informed BMC Deputy Commissioner and Polythene/Plastic Enforcement Nodal Officer Prabir Khillar.
Notably, two enforcement squads were formed by the BMC on June 6 comprising officials of the State Pollution Control Board, Commissionerate Police, Forest Department and BMC.
Notably, the State Government had decided to restrict the indiscriminate use of certain types of plastic products in the territorial jurisdiction of five municipal corporations like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela and Sambalpur and in famous place of pilgrimage and tourist destination Puri Municipality from the October 2, last year.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change have made the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 restricting the use of certain plastic carry bags and containers and its management.
