NEW DELHI, June 23 (Xinhua) -- A complete ban on single-use plastic items comes into effect from Saturday in India's western state of Maharashtra, officials said.
The authorities have threatened imposition of heavy fine on people who violate the government ban.
"The use of plastic will become an offence and violators will be fined. Those who will repeat the offence can be jailed for up to three months," a local government official said.
"The fine for the first-time offenders will be 74 U.S. dollars (INR 5,000). For second-time offenders, it will be 148 U.S. dollars (INR 10,000) and a third-time violator will attract a fine of 370 U.S. dollars (INR 25,000) and a jail term for three months."
Environmentalists and common people welcomed the ban ahead of the monsoon season as plastics often lead to choking of drains, thereby causing water logging. Shopkeepers, however, are worried a lot over the switchover.
Earlier on March 23, the local government imposed a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials, especially one-time-use bags, spoons and plates. The move was aimed at containing the plastic damage to the environment.
The ban will be enforced by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).