Plastic ban in Noida: Beware! You may be fined up to Rs 10,000, jailed for 6 months

It will now be difficult for you to use plastic bags in Noida as the civic body here has decided to not just impose a ban on it, but also to implement it strictly. If you are found using plastic, you can be fined up to Rs 25,000. On first conviction, defaulters will have to fine between Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000, while on the second conviction, they can be imprisoned for six months term along with a fine of Rs 5,000. This fine may be extended to Rs 25,000. 
 
According to reports, following the example if Mumbai, Noida civic body has also planned to impose penalty on plastic users to enforce it strictly. The Noida Municipal Body has decided to impose fines on vendors, traders as well as individuals using plastic bags. 
 
Uttar Pradesh government on July 15 decided to impose a blanket ban on plastic usage, distribution, sale, purchase, import and export under the Uttar Pradesh Plastic and other Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Regulation of Use and Disposal) Act, 2000 amendment. 
 
As per an ordinance issued by the UP government, the plastic usage in the state is prohibited. The ordinance reportedly stated that if someone is found flouting the ban, he can be convicted with imprisonment up to one month. Besides, he will also be liable for a fine not less than Rs 1,000 which may extend to Rs 10,000 on the first conviction. On the second conviction, the defaulter can be imprisoned for six months term along with a fine of Rs 5,000 which may extend to Rs 25,000.
 
Noida officials have reportedly decided to start awareness programmes in association with police and administrations. 
 
Around 60 people including many vegetable vendors, traders and customers were reportedly penalised for flouting the ban. Rs 33,500 were collected from the defaulters, and officials also seized 20 kg of plastic from different sectors including sector 6, 27, 19, 50, and 77 in the Noida area.
 
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In order to ensure transparency, the Noida officials have reportedly decided to video graph the drives, which will also take the help of police to avoid any quarrels as people generally refuse to pay the fine.