Chandigarh Bans Single-Use Plastic From July 1; Municipal Corporation Sets Fines As High As ₹10,000

In a bid to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability, Chandigarh has banned single-use plastic. To ensure enforcement, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has decided to charge hefty fines on violators from July 1. From street vendors and shopkeepers to citizens and commercial establishments, everyone will have to follow this ban or they can be fined up to ₹10,000! Read on to know more about it.

Chandigarh Bans Single-Use Plastic; Imposes Hefty Fines From July 1

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has banned single-use plastic in the city. To ensure compliance, they have decided to impose hefty fines on violations from July 1. They have even deployed teams of inspectors to carry out regular checks. They will carry out random checks across various establishments, shops, grocery stores, and vegetable markets for the first few weeks.

While talking to Hindustan Times, Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra said that they wish to build a cleaner and sustainable future for the people of the city. They have asked people for support and encouraged them to take small steps like carrying their own cloth bags while shopping. She further added that by imposing fines on violators of the single-use plastic ban, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation aims to encourage people to take up eco-friendly practices.

Also Read: Did You Know Scientists Have Invented 100% Biodegradable Plastic? It’s Made Of THIS Kitchen Ingredient!

Municipal Corporation To Charge Fines As High As ₹10,000

Coming to the fines the authorities have decided to impose on single-use plastic ban on violators in Chandigarh. If a street vendor is found using items like plastic straws, bags and disposable cutlery, then they will be fined ₹200 for the first violation, ₹500 if repeated, and a fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed on the third instance. For traders, commercial establishments, shopkeepers, etc, more significant fines have been set. They will be charged ₹2,000, ₹5,000 and ₹10,000, for first, second and third violations, respectively. In case of repeated violations, even harsher penalties can be imposed by the Municipal Corporation. This includes temporary or permanent closure of businesses.

We laud Chandigarh for taking up this step and having a plan of action with penalties and a compliance team. We hope they’re able to completely stop the use of single-use plastics in the city over the next few months and make Chandigarh even more beautiful!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)