Udaipur: In a major crackdown against single-use plastic, the Udaipur Municipal Corporation conducted its largest-ever seizure on Tuesday, confiscating over 18 quintals of banned single-use plastic bags from a single location for the first time in the city’s history.
Municipal Commissioner Abhishek Khanna stated that the state government has imposed a ban on the storage, sale, and use of single-use plastic carry bags. Despite multiple notifications and eight meetings organised by the corporation to urge traders and businesses to stop using plastic, the use of banned plastic bags continues in the city.
In response to the rising use of plastic bags, the municipal corporation launched a special campaign involving surprise inspections to seize banned plastic and take strict action against offenders.
Following a tip-off, under the direction of Commissioner Khanna, officials including Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Mandowara and Municipal Police Inspector Mangi Lal Dangi, along with a team, raided a warehouse owned by Gopal Kabra near Satyanarayan Temple in Sector 6, Hiran Magri, Panerio.
During the search, 67 packets of banned single-use plastic carry bags in various sizes and colours were found. The total weight of the seized plastic bags was 18 quintals and 20 kilograms. All confiscated items were seized on the spot. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that the bags were sourced from Kalupur, Ahmedabad, and were intended for sale in Udaipur city and nearby towns.
Penalty up to 5 Years Jail or ₹1 Lakh Fine
Commissioner Khanna explained that manufacturing, using, buying, selling, possessing, or transporting banned plastic carry bags is a punishable offence under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. The Rajasthan Municipality Act, 2009 also prescribes penalties under Section 258 for plastic use violations.
Tax Evasion Worth Lakhs Reported
Municipal Police Inspector Mangi Lal Dangi highlighted that banned plastic is being brought into the city without bills or waybills, leading to tax evasion worth lakhs of rupees. These plastic bags are transported from Ahmedabad, Delhi, and other places to Udaipur via travel buses and cargo transport. The lack of GST compliance makes banned plastic bags cheaper than biodegradable or compostable alternatives, causing revenue loss to the state government and environmental harm.
The corporation has collected information to take action against cargo transport and travel buses bringing single-use plastic bags into the city. Any vehicle found transporting banned plastic bags will be seized. Additionally, individuals supplying banned plastic bags door-to-door on two-wheelers will face action and vehicle confiscation.
Commissioner Appeals to Citizens and Businesses
Commissioner Abhishek Khanna appealed once again to residents and business organisations to refrain from using banned single-use plastic. He urged everyone to use cloth or biodegradable bags for carrying vegetables and other goods. He called for cooperation in keeping the city clean and beautiful by supporting the ongoing municipal campaign. Business groups are encouraged to motivate their members to avoid banned plastic use.