Belapur: In a special enforcement campaign against single-use plastic, the civic body seized 158 kg of banned plastic and collected Rs 1.55 lakh in fines from 30 businesses across all eight ward office areas on 12 June.

The action was part of ongoing environmental initiatives launched since World Environment Day, which also include tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns and awareness programmes linked to the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules 2026. Officials said inspection drives were intensified between 5 and 12 June to curb the use of prohibited plastic products.

During the latest operation, civic teams inspected commercial establishments and took action against those found using plastic carry bags and other single-use plastic items. A total of 30 establishments were penalised.

Zone-wise, Belapur recorded Rs 30,000 in fines and 10 kg of seized plastic, while Nerul recorded Rs 10,000 in penalties and 5 kg of confiscated plastic. Vashi reported Rs 5,000 in fines along with 5 kg of banned plastic seized. Turbhe emerged as the highest-enforcement zone, with 100 kg of plastic seized and Rs 45,000 collected from eight establishments.

In Kopar Khairane, officials imposed Rs 20,000 in fines and seized 2 kg of plastic, while Ghansoli recorded Rs 30,000 in penalties and 28 kg of confiscated material. Airoli division reported Rs 15,000 in fines and 8 kg of seized plastic during the drive.

The campaign was conducted under the guidance of NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde and Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, with coordination from senior civic officials across the Solid Waste Management Department.

Authorities have urged citizens and traders to avoid plastic bags and adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, highlighting the long-term environmental and health risks of non-biodegradable plastic waste.