The ban was proposed in the month of August this year as per instructions by GHMC commissioner B Janardhan Reddy. Manufacturers and retailers storing or selling plastic would be fined heavily.

“The manufacturers shared with the commissioner that they were not aware of the rules passed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The ban was on usage of plastic under 40 microns till April. After that, it was increased to 50 microns. They were given an extension up to the end of August,” informed N Shoba Reddy, executive engineer, solid waste management from GHMC.

The circle deputy commissioners and Assistant Medical Health Officers (AMHO) were directed to ensure strict implementation of the ban.

“They have been conducting raids and also awareness programmes about the negative effects of the use of plastic across the city,” added Shoba Reddy.

Dr Vijay Kumar, AMHO, Charminar, said awareness and information regarding the ban and negative effects were conducted.

While retailers storing or using them are slapped with a fine of `5,000, manufacturers are forced to pay `5,000 the first time and will be doubled if repeated. Shoba Reddy also informed that it is a slow process. “The Central Pollution Control Board has given a window period of two years. We are working towards the goal,” she said.

Retailers’ problems

Shopkeepers rue that the price of plastic bags are burning a hole in their pockets. “We have been asked to use this,” said a kirana store owner in Secunderabad, showing a packet with ‘This plastic bag is less than 50 microns’ printed on it. He added, “This costs double the price of a regular plastic bag. Some officials came and informed us about using regular plastic bags.”

A lady at a tiffin centre, who uses regular plastic to wrap her idlis and dosas in Secunderabad said that it is easier for her procure these kind of bags and plastic sheets. “They are cheaper also. I get them from a store in Ameerpet,” she said.

Not the solution, says activist

Activist JasveenJairath, who has been vocal about water issues in the city and urban planning said there needs to be a deeper and well thought out approach in order to get rid of the plastic menace that is a threat to life and eco systems.

“There is an industry and an economy built around it. Though it is a progressive move, it is likely to fail when it comes to implementation. Merely banning it is not going to solve the problem. They need to provide alternatives too,” she said.

She also pointed that for people to switch to something better, they need to understand the benefits and the hazards of using plastic.

“There are groups in the city, and more and more individuals are becoming sensitive about how it is aa hazard. We have to stop providing a market for it and that is when there is going to be a change,” she added.