Bareilly: Days after state government promulgated UP Plastic and Other Non-degradable Waste (use and disposal) ordinance, Bareilly Municipal Corporation (BMC) swung into action, conducting raids and seizing around one quintal of polythene and recovering Rs 43,000 as fine from violaters.The ban on polythene came into effect from July 15. The civic body raided wholesale shops in several city localities, including Shyamganj, Bara Bazaar, Kutubkhana and Civil Lines area. Roadside vendors, makeshift shopkeepers and eateries were also inspected.Speaking with TOI, municipal commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shrivastava said, “With the ban on plastic being enforced in Uttar Pradesh, we have launched consistent drives and raids across the city to check the use of plastic or polythene bags. Bareilly Municipal Corporation’s enforcement squad is on its toes and conducting random inspections in various city pockets, especially market areas.”Shrivastava added, “Despite the ban on polythene coming into effect on July 15, shopkeepers, fruit and vegetable sellers in the city were seen using polythene carry bags. During the inspections, a large number of vendors and local shopkeepers claimed that they were not aware about the ban on plastics.”According to the BMC sources, over the past three days, the civic body has seized around a quintal of polythene from several wholesale shops located different in city localities —Kutubkhana, Shyamganj, Bara Bazaar, Quila and Civil Lines among others. Apart from prominent shops and market areas, local vendors, squatters and food joints in various city pockets were also raided. A sum of Rs 43,400 has been recovered as fine from shopkeepers and others who have been warned that they will face legal action if caught using polythene bags.As per the provisions of the ordinance, use of polythene of less than 50 microns will invite a penalty of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment from one month to one year. In case of first offence, the violator will have to pay Rs 1,000 or get a jail term of one month. The term of imprisonment will increase to six months and fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 the second time. Those found manufacturing, storing or transporting plastic will be jailed for six months and pay a fine between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. A repeat offence will invite a fine of Rs 1 lakh and one year in jail.

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