Nagpur: Despite the ban on plastic, the commercial use of plastic bags are back in business with many shops resumed to its usage. Taking cue of the rampant increase, the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MPCB) along with NMC officials simultaneously conducted two raids in the city and seized around 3,500 kg of banned plastic bags.
The officials formed a flying squad after getting a tip-off and jointly conducted the raid. These very thin plastic bags were reportedly being brought from Gujarat and absolutely below 20 microns the set standard.
During the raid a suspected vehicle was chased near Telephone Exchange square. On checking, the officials found around 1,500 kg of the banned bags. Investigations revealed that the consignment was to be unloaded at a godown in Lakadganj. On raiding the godown named ‘Saibaba Transport’, the team seized another 2,000 kg of plastic bags. It was revealed that the spot served as the major supply point to various points of the city.
However the manufacturing units of the banned bags in the state have been closed by MPCB, still the consignment is being filtering in from other states.
Though the civic body has fined the transporter and godown owner Rs 5,000 each, it is not yet known who placed the consignment’s order.
It is learnt that similar place was previously raided last year in October when the 2,385 kg of banned plastic products was seized similar godown in Bagadganj area. Incidentally that consignment was also transported from Gujarat.
