The issue of plastic waste and subsequently, the ban, has been in the news since July 2005. In future, more alternatives to plastic will be explored. Environment minister Ramdas Kadam chaired a meeting in Mantralaya on Thursday in this regard, where it was decided that to begin with, use of plastic would be banned from Mantralaya and all other government establishments.Mr Kadam said that there will be a 100 per cent ban on all types of plastic, including plastic wrappers, sachets, plastic cups and glasses. Ever since, there have been several occasions where these issues have gained traction.

The state government has decided to ban plastic completely, beginning Gudi Padva of 2018. Ramdas Kadam Mumbai: As part of the initiative to make Maharashtra plastic-free, the state government has decided to start with the state administrative headquarters itself. Cloth bags will be procured from women’s self-help groups.Mr Kadam said, “We have invited proposals from China plastic water bottle making machine Suppliers various organisations suggesting alternatives to plastic bags. Local bodies will create awareness among citizens about using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. An alternative to plastic bags will be decided soon but before that, an awareness drive will be conducted by local bodies with the help of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.”

The ban will be imposed in a phased manner in the state. There is also a proposal of giving subsidies to women’s self-help groups and getting them to supply cloth bags. The ban will extend to thermocol cups and dishes as well.The state government has decided to ban plastic completely, beginning Gudi Padva of 2018. Mantralaya uses plastic drinking water bottles and polythene milk bags but the practice will be stopped, informed Mr Kadam after the meeting.. This time however, the state government has decided to be firm and put a carpet ban on the plastic. The deluge in the city at that time created awareness about these issues