Lucknow, Apr 30 (UNI) Following a statewide ban on single-use plastic by the Uttar Pradesh government, the Urban Development Department has been running intensive campaigns to curb its use, resulting in Rs 4.24 crore in penalties during financial year 2024–25, official sources said here on Wednesday.

Sources said that initiatives like 'Aarambh 5.0' and 'PUMA 3.0 under the Swachh Bharat Mission have further strengthened inspections and enforcement. In line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for environmental conservation, UP has enforced a complete ban on single-use plastic since July 2022," they said.

Sources said that the Urban Development Department, in coordination with municipal bodies and the Pollution Control Board, has carried out intensive enforcement drives. "In FY 2024–25, Rs 4.24 crore in fines were collected. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), campaigns like Aarambh 5.0 and PUMA 3.0 led to large-scale raids. PUMA 3.0 alone resulted in the seizure of 13,517 kg of polythene and penalties of nearly Rs 32 lakh," they said.

Sources said that to discourage the use of non-biodegradable single-use plastic, the UP government has enforced a complete ban on the use of plastic bags with a thickness of less than 75 microns. "The ban also applies to plastic items such as plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, sweet boxes, invitation cards and PVC or plastic banners thinner than 100 microns. Violations involving the sale, use, production or disposal of single-use plastic can result in penalties ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 25,000," they said.

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