Kolkata battles single-use plastics, new campaigns and fines for violators

• KMC is intensifying its campaign against single-use plastics to prevent drainage blockages
• Enforcement challenges exist due to limited infrastructure; police and pollution control boards are tasked with market raids
• Despite challenges, fines have been imposed on violators, and awareness campaigns are ongoing

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is intensifying its efforts against single-use plastic. The civic body plans to strengthen awareness campaigns and enforcement measures to curb the use of these plastics, which are known to block drainage systems and contribute to flooding during the monsoon. Despite a statewide ban on single-use plastics since July 2022, these items are still prevalent in Kolkata's markets.

Mayor Firhad Hakim has highlighted the challenges KMC faces, including insufficient infrastructure to effectively raid shops and markets to confiscate banned items. The responsibility for enforcement has been placed on the police and the state pollution control board. In line with these efforts, the KMC has managed to collect fines from violators and is working towards a more substantial crackdown on manufacturers and sellers of single-use plastics​.