Berhampur: A week after the state government banned single-use plastics across all urban bodies of the state, large quantities of banned polythene bags were seized during a surprise raid conducted by the enforcement team comprising of eight person of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Wednesday.
The special enforcement team conducted raids in several establishments at City Hospital road, MKCG Medical road and found that many stores had kept polythene bags for handing out to customers along with banned water pouches. As much as half kilograms of polythene bags and 5 kilograms of water pouches were seized.
The raiding team collected Rs 55,000 as fine from these businesses. Further, these shopkeepers have been warned to stop using polythene, said by enforcement officer Tarun Kant.
Ban on usage of single-use plastic has been imposed throughout all the urban bodies of the state starting October 2, 2019. The ban includes single-use plastic products such as water punches, carry bags, plastic spoons, and plates.
According to the BeMC enforcement officer, the raids will continue in days to come and a minimum fine of Rs 10,000 will be levied on violators.
PNN