SMC collects ₹3.91L in fines, seizes over 100 kg single-use plastic

Time of India

6 days ago

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Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has intensified its crackdown on single-use plastic users, seizing over 100 kg of banned materials and collecting Rs 3.91 lakh in penalties during the past five months
According to SMC commissioner Vedbhusan, the seizures have steadily increased, with 16.5 kg confiscated in Jan followed by 27 kg in Feb, 31.7 kg in March, 12 kg in April, and 18.5 kg in May.
The corresponding fines collected were Rs 59,700, Rs 124,300, Rs 45,000, Rs 89,300, and Rs 73,000 respectively.
The enforcement drive, conducted jointly with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, had a three-phase approach. "We first raided business outlets and small vendors selling single-use plastic items. The second phase involved penalising large businesses while focusing on awareness for smaller vendors," said Vedbhusan.
Deputy commissioner Shankar Prasad Sahu highlighted that the corporation has also banned paper cups for tea service from April 1, citing health concerns. "The coating in these cups is carcinogenic. We're promoting alternatives like glass, steel, and clay cups," he said.
In an innovative move, the SMC has partnered with a cement factory to utilize non-recyclable plastic waste as refuse-derived fuel. "We're also exploring ways to create park benches and decorative items from plastic waste," said commissioner Vedbhusan.
The corporation is working with SHGs to promote plastic waste recycling and reuse, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable waste management practices. Regional officer Satyanarayan Nanda of Odisha State Pollution Control Board confirmed that joint enforcement operations will resume next week after a brief pause, emphasising continued vigilance against single-use plastic violations.