Navi Mumbai News: NMMC Intensifies Crackdown On Single-Use Plastic; ₹40,000 Fines Collected, 8.5 Kg Banned Material Seized

Navi Mumbai: As part of the ongoing ‘Adopt Cleanliness – Eliminate Disease’ campaign, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) intensified its action against single-use plastic. Raids conducted across various locations led to the collection of Rs 40,000 in fines from eight commercial establishments and the seizure of 8.5 kg of banned plastic materials, primarily plastic bags.

In the Belapur ward, five shopkeepers were penalized Rs 25,000 collectively, and 4 kg of plastic was seized. In the Nerul area, two vendors were fined Rs 5,000 each, with a total of 1.5 kg of plastic confiscated. The Vashi division also witnessed action against one vendor, resulting in a Rs 5,000 fine and seizure of 3 kg of plastic bags.

This operation was carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, who has stressed the importance of public awareness and environmental responsibility in reducing harmful plastic usage. "The campaign not only promotes hygiene for better health but also targets the elimination of materials that pose long-term ecological threats," Dr Shinde said.

In a similar drive during June, flying squads from eight ward offices and two zones found 44 shopkeepers in possession of single-use plastic, leading to Rs 2.25 lakh in penalties and the confiscation of 252.55 kg of banned materials.

Municipal officials highlighted that plastic pollution undermines cleanliness efforts and severely impacts the environment. Citizens of Navi Mumbai have been urged to voluntarily eliminate single-use plastic from their daily lives and contribute to a cleaner, healthier city.