In a recent development on Wednesday, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC), during a special drive against the ban of single-use plastic across the city, seized approximately 384 kg of single-use plastic bag across various locations in the city. The corporation also seized plastic related use-bags from renowned restaurants situated near Hazratganj and Lalbagh areas.
Ashok Singh, the Chief Fixation Officer of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, stated about the matter, “In compliance with the instructions of the Uttar Pradesh government, a massive campaign is being run by LMC in all eight zones of the city.”
He further added in his statement, “In Zone 1, 150 kg of banned plastic/polythene was confiscated, and a fine of ₹1.22 lakhs was collected. In Zone 2, a fine of ₹22 thousand was collected.”
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According to police reports, an approximate total of INR 3.84 lakhs had been fined from all the violators found in the eight targeted zones. In a similar drive led by Rajesh Singh, the zonal officer, and Rakesh Kumar, the tax superintendent, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation had successfully conducted raids in big restaurants and hotels around the Lalbag and Hazratganj.
The reports highlight that numerous plastic glasses, plates and cups were found from the renowned Royal Café. Accordingly, a large chunk of banned plastic was recovered from the Durgma restaurant in Lalbagh. Initially, the restaurant owners attempted to resist the imposed fine, however later strictness issues by the LMC squad compelled them to pay the fine.
During a similar raid in the Rakabganj area, several shopkeepers showed reluctance towards it and largely protested against the drive. However, as police forces were quick to react, they had to let the investigation resume and the ones found guilty paid the penalty.
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The new guideline imposing ban on single-use plastic has drastically affected shopkeepers as well as consumers, who previously had formed a habit of using one for day-to-day necessities.