Acting on directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) with due support of district administration has launched a joint drive against single use plastic under a ‘Plastic-Free City Mission’. A special team of senior officials has been constituted for the mission. SDM Anurag Singh has been appointed nodal officer from the district administration, while Additional Commissioner (Finance) Ashfaq Parvez Qureshi will supervise the drive on behalf of the Municipal Corporation. A special task force comprising officials from the Pollution Control Board and the civic body has also been formed to carry out inspections across wards and major markets. The team will conduct surprise checks, particularly targeting wholesale traders and commercial areas.

 

On the very first day of the drive, on Tuesday, a major action was carried out in Baldevbagh area. A joint team raided a warehouse linked to Makronia Transport and seized around 100 sacks of banned plastic carry bags. A penalty of Rs 1 lakh was imposed on the operator for storing and dealing in prohibited material. Officials said the use of substandard plastic poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. The drive aims to curb soil and water pollution, prevent clogging of drains and reduce waterlogging during rains. Authorities have said the drive will continue in the coming days, with strict action against violators to ensure compliance with environmental norms.