Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its crackdown on plastic use by conducting surprise inspections in marketplaces. As part of this effort, the NMMC Special Squad has 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, along with an additional Rs 5,000 fine.
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.