Mumbai, March 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced in the Legislative Council that municipal corporations will now possess the authority to take action against markets selling plastic flowers. He elaborated that specific guidelines will be issued to enforce a ban on the sale of these artificial flowers.

Despite an existing plastic ban across the state, the rising prevalence of plastic flowers is harming the business of local farmers who rely on natural flowers.

This concern was initially raised by member Pravin Darekar, with additional inquiries made by members Shashikant Shinde, Amit Gorkhe, Amol Mitkari, Sadabhau Khot, and Anil Parab.

CM Fadnavis confirmed that a special notification will be issued under the existing plastic ban to explicitly prohibit the usage of plastic and artificial flowers. Municipal corporations are being granted direct authority to take action against markets that continue to sell these products.

He added that professionals in decoration, banquet halls, and similar businesses utilizing plastic flowers will receive formal notices. Strict penalties and fines will be enforced against those who fail to comply.

In further details, Minister Pankaja Munde noted that as per the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Ban Notification of 2018, there is a comprehensive ban on the use of plastic and thermocol for decorative purposes.

Moreover, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had issued a circular on August 29, 2025, discouraging the use of artificial flowers during festival celebrations.

Ms. Munde also shared that inspections conducted from April 2025 to January 2026 revealed that a total of 1,24,783 establishments were checked, resulting in penalties for 3,390 of them, and fines totaling Rs 1.55 crore were collected. Approximately 67.54 metric tonnes of single-use plastic were confiscated.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Madhuri Misal informed the Legislative Assembly that an investigation into irregularities concerning the Project Affected Persons (PAP) project in Malad East will be conducted under the leadership of the Additional Chief Secretary. Construction on this project will not proceed until the inquiry report is finalized. This matter was highlighted through a “Calling Attention” motion by Assembly member Aslam Shaikh.

Minister Misal stated that despite the Municipal Corporation issuing a credit note of Rs 470 crore and 100% TDR (Transferable Development Rights) for the rehabilitation of those affected in Malad (East), the relevant developer has yet to submit a construction plan. This issue will be investigated in depth.

Concerns were also raised regarding the valuation of land exceeding the rates set by the Registration and Stamps Department. She further indicated that the inquiry will assess if the land is situated within an ‘eco-sensitive’ zone and if a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department is necessary.

Additionally, Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal announced in the Legislative Assembly that a thorough investigation will be conducted within the next two months regarding allegations that activists of the Narmada Bachao Andolan in Nandurbar district have accepted financial compensation and rehabilitation benefits from the government.

This issue was raised by Assembly member Amshya Padvi through a “Calling Attention” motion.

Minister Jaiswal stated that the government has acted in accordance with Government Resolutions (GRs) from February 4, 2004, and September 20, 2004, regarding project-affected individuals of the Narmada Bachao Andolan.

He emphasized the need for a detailed complaint concerning Hunya Rupa Vasave from Gaman, Akkalkuwa taluka in Nandurbar district, and confirmed that an inquiry would be initiated within two months.