6 days ago
RMC cracks down on violators of single-use plastic ban in city
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Ranchi: Despite the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) enforced in July 2022, plastic bags, cups, and disposable plates and glasses remain in use across the city. Now, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has ramped up its enforcement efforts with a fresh drive that began on August 1.
On Thursday, its teams carried out inspections in Kanke as part of a wider sweep beginning last week and covering more than 10 areas, including Harmu, Upper Bazar, Hindpiri, Main Road, Kutchery, and Ratu Road.
During the inspections, officials seized banned items from several vendors and shopkeepers and issued on-the-spot warnings. Some cases are also being forwarded for penalties.
City manager Ambuj Singh said over Rs 53,000 in fines have been collected since January 2024 for SUP violations, including Rs 12,000 since the new phase of inspections began this month.
"So far, we have issued more than 50 penalties. Enforcement has become tighter, especially in market clusters," he said.
While alternatives such as biodegradable carry bags, paper packaging and cloth bags are now widely available in local markets, affordability and durability remain a concern among the users.
Meena Devi, a resident of Lalpur, said, "I always ask for cloth or biodegradable bags while shopping, but many shopkeepers still hand out plastic bags.
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Some even charge extra for eco-friendly ones, which discourages people."
Ram Avtar, a vegetable seller in Kokar, admitted that cost and practicality make SUPs more convenient. "Plastic bags are cheaper and stronger. The biodegradable ones tear easily and customers often demand double packaging out of fear that the pack will burst," he added.
Meanwhile, RMC officials had previously flagged plastic choking of drains and overflowing garbage bins, especially during monsoons, by SUPs. They said sustained checks, combined with public awareness and vendor coordination, are now key to meaningful impact.
"We'll continue conducting surprise inspections weekly. Compliance has improved in pockets, but consistent enforcement is crucial," city manager Singh added.
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