Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 18: Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra, informed the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday that municipal corporations will be empowered to take action against markets selling plastic flowers, with special instructions to enforce a stricter ban on such products.
The chief minister said that although a plastic ban already exists across the state, the growing use of artificial flowers in decorations and markets has negatively impacted farmers engaged in natural flower cultivation.
The issue was raised in the House by member Pravin Darekar, with supplementary questions from legislators Shashikant Shinde, Amit Gorkhe, Amol Mitkari, Sadabhau Khot and Anil Parab.
Fadnavis announced that the government will issue a special notification under the existing plastic ban framework to specifically prohibit the use of plastic and artificial flowers. Municipal corporations will be authorised to act directly against markets selling such items.
He added that decorators, banquet halls and other establishments using plastic flowers will be served formal notices. Strict penalties and fines will be imposed on those violating the rules.
Providing additional details, minister Pankaja Munde said that under the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Ban Notification 2018 there is already a complete ban on plastic and thermocol used for decoration.
She also noted that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board issued a circular on August 29, 2025 advising against the use of artificial flowers during festivals.
According to the minister, between April 2025 and January 2026, authorities inspected nearly 1,24,783 establishments across the state. Of these, 3,390 were penalised and fines worth Rs 1.55 crore were collected, while around 67.54 metric tonnes of single-use plastic were seized.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Madhuri Misal told the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly that an inquiry will be conducted into alleged irregularities in the Project Affected Persons (PAP) rehabilitation project in Malad East. The investigation will be carried out under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary, and construction will resume only after the inquiry report is submitted.
The issue was raised through a “Calling Attention” motion by legislator Aslam Shaikh.
Misal said that although the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai had issued a credit note worth Rs 470 crore and granted 100 per cent Transferable Development Rights (TDR) for the rehabilitation project, the developer has yet to submit a construction plan.
Questions have also been raised about the land valuation exceeding the rates fixed by the Registration and Stamps Department. The inquiry will also determine whether the land falls within an eco-sensitive zone and whether a no-objection certificate from the Forest Department is required.
In another development, Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal informed the Assembly that a detailed probe will be conducted within two months into allegations that activists of the Narmada Bachao Andolan in Nandurbar district accepted financial compensation and rehabilitation benefits from the government.
The issue was raised through a “Calling Attention” motion by legislator Amshya Padvi. Jaiswal said that government actions related to project-affected persons had been taken in accordance with Government Resolutions issued on February 4, 2004 and September 20, 2004.
He added that if a detailed complaint is submitted regarding Hunya Rupa Vasave from Gaman in Akkalkuwa taluka of Nandurbar district, it will also be investigated as part of the inquiry.