News Continuous Bureau | Mumbai
Mumbai, the financial capital of India and the city of dreams for millions, is facing a growing crisis – plastic pollution. With the rapidly increasing population, the problem of plastic waste has become more serious. The excessive and improper disposal of plastic is disturbing the ecological balance. Plastic waste remains in the environment for hundreds of years, polluting the air, water, and soil.
Large quantities of plastic accumulate along Mumbai’s beaches, roads, and drains, negatively impacting public health and the natural environment. To tackle this issue, the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is actively taking measures.
To control plastic pollution in the city, the BMC’s SWM department is implementing various strategies. In accordance with the guidelines of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), BMC has enforced a strict ban on single-use plastic.
Additionally, BMC operates 46 dry waste collection centers across the city, where dry waste is sorted into different categories, and plastic is sent for recycling. BMC also collaborates with various NGOs for the collection and recycling of plastic waste.
Regular inspections are conducted at shops and establishments. Fines are imposed or plastic is confiscated if banned items are found. In 2024, BMC inspected 44,448 shops and establishments and confiscated 2,148 kg of plastic.
To raise awareness about the plastic ban, BMC conducts informative campaigns, workshops, and outreach programs in schools, housing societies, and marketplaces. Citizens are encouraged to adopt a plastic-free lifestyle.
In January 2025, BMC intensified its crackdown on single-use plastic. During this campaign, 61.5 kg of plastic was seized.
Your Role in a Plastic-Free Mumbai
Every citizen must recognize their responsibility toward a plastic-free Mumbai. We must choose eco-friendly alternatives over plastic bags, bottles, and other products.
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Use steel or copper bottles instead of plastic ones.
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Carry cloth or jute bags instead of plastic carry bags.
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Segregate dry and wet waste properly to ensure efficient waste processing.
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Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to adopt plastic-free alternatives.
Efforts to combat plastic pollution must begin today and right now. If each of us makes small changes in our lifestyle, we can create a big impact.
Let’s all join hands with BMC’s Solid Waste Management Department in this initiative and work together to make Mumbai plastic-free.
