The Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) has urged the Maharashtra Government to reconsider and postpone the plastic ban, while describing plastic products — like Air, Water and Food that are very essential for survival – as having become “daily requirements and without which life will become difficult.”

FAM, in a letter signed by FAM President Vinesh Mehta to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam, pointed out that the recent plastics ban imposed by the state government has resulted in “great difficulties” for small and medium size business.

“Traders of products like loose milk, milk products, sweets etc have not opened their shop over last two days due to fear of BMC levying Fine or Penalty of Rs 5000, since they sell their products packed in plastic bags which are banned now. Even Farsan & Mistan Shops have not opened their shops for the same reason and the list of affected products/trade is endless. The loss of business — as per a paper report — is approximately 15,000 Crores and has also resulted into loss of employment for more than 3 Lakhs employees,” the letter stated.

FAM has requested postponing the plastic ban for one year and allowing usage of plastic bags for packing various products, while expressing support for the government ban on plastic carry bags that are below 50 Microns. The Federation also suggested formation of a Committee of Representatives from all plastic products sectors to look into and suggest alternatives to the plastic ban, the letter added.

“We request you to kindly STOP THE LEVY OF FINE/PENALTIES IMMEDIATELY ON THE TRADERS OF ENTIRE MAHARASHTRA just because they have some stock of the banned plastic products. We are and will be supporting the Government but cannot compromise on the right of our traders in Maharashtra.,” the Federation stated, adding “FAM will have no choice but to take up a state-wide agitation for entire Maharashtra traders like the one we did during our opposition to Local Body Tax (LBT) against the then Congress Government and which also resulted in Congress losing both the state as well as center elections.”