Mumbai: In a move that has sent shockwaves through thousands of small businesses across Maharashtra, the state government has announced a ban on artificial flowers, citing environmental and health concerns. The timing, just ahead of Ganeshotsav and the bustling wedding season, has left vendors in distress, many of whom now face the possibility of financial ruin.
While the government maintains that the decision is aimed at curbing plastic pollution and reviving Maharashtra’s struggling flower farming economy, traders say they are being unfairly targeted.
“These artificial flowers may be synthetic, but our struggles are real,” says Panchu Pachu Sheikh, a vendor who has been running an artificial flower shop for three years. “I’ve stocked items worth ₹5–6 lakh for the upcoming season. If this ban goes through, I stand to lose everything.”
Sheikh explains that his store, like many others, operates with seasonal surges in employment, around 15 workers during Ganpati, down to four for the rest of the year. “Who will give us work after the ban? Most of our items are cloth-based, with only minor plastic components. Why is the government singling us out?”
Mohammed Sameer, another vendor with 15 years in the business, echoes the concern. “Only 20% of these flowers are plastic, the rest is cloth, which is washable, reusable and lasts longer than real flowers. Farmers have the option to grow other crops. We don’t. This is our only livelihood.”
Crawford Market alone houses over 100 artificial flower shops. Many traders have taken loans or mortgaged belongings to stock up for the festive season. “It’s not just us,” adds Sameer. “Behind each flower garland is an entire chain of women artisans, factory workers and logistics handlers. What will happen to them?”
While some citizens back the government’s eco-conscious move, others like customer Umesh Boricha question the logic. “Artificial flowers can be reused. This ban feels one-sided. It’ll hit a lot of families who’ve built their lives around this business.”
But not all shoppers agree. “Plastic is choking the Earth,” says customer Sushil More. “We must start somewhere. This ban is a step in the right direction.”
As the festive season nears, vendors continue to wait, not for customers, but for clarity, support, and above all, a livelihood that won’t be outlawed overnight.
