THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched a special helpline for residents to notify them about collection of plastic waste from their neighbourhood.In a run up to the two-day deadline of banning plastic waste, Thaneites can either call, text message or WhatsApp on the helpline number 8291735893 requesting the civic machinery to dispatch its mobile van to pick up plastic waste from their door step.“From this Saturday, any product made out of thermocol, plastic such as dishes, cups, spoons, forks, non-woven polythene bags, etc will be banned and anyone found using them would invite a penalty. We have launched a helpline for residents, which will help them get rid of their plastic trash. Residents will have to mention their name and exact location and our mobile van will reach out to them. Citizens of a particular area will be asked to come together so the collection process becomes easier.”After the deadline for the plastic ban was extended, many local non government organisations (NGO) came together to help citizens in not only collecting waste or clarifying their queries, but also creating awareness on environment-friendly alternatives to plastic.This civic-run initiative has brought about a wave of relief to environment-conscious citizens of Thane, especially those who were not so keen on depending on these local groups.“Once the ban had been announced everyone was running from pillar to post worried about what to do with the accumulated household plastic. While some had decided to give it to NGOs, a few like me were still trying to figure out genuine NGOs. I hope this initiative works. We will be forming a group on WhatsApp for society members so that everyone can keep their plastic items ready,” said Suhas Rai, a resident of Ghodbundar Road.

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