Will the Maha Government Ban Artificial Flowers?

Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) Horticulture Minister Bharat Gogawale informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that a significant policy decision regarding the ban on artificial flowers will soon be made in collaboration with the Environment Minister. This initiative aims to support the flower-growing farmers across the state.

In response to concerns raised by Mahesh Shinde, who pointed out the challenges faced by flower cultivators due to the dominance of artificial flowers in the market, Minister Gogawale acknowledged the issue. He mentioned that the excessive introduction of artificial flowers has adversely impacted the market for natural blooms. Other assembly members, including Kailas Patil (Ghadge) and Narayan Kuche, also contributed to the discussion.

Minister Gogawale highlighted that efforts are being made to train flower growers in modern floriculture practices, including post-harvest techniques and advanced greenhouse technologies, to help them compete effectively in the market.

“Farmers are indeed suffering because of the influx of artificial flowers,” he stated. A meeting with the Environment Department and public representatives is scheduled during the session to discuss potential policies, including a ban on these artificial products.

In another matter, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans to shut down illegal warehouses near Bhiwandi city. He mentioned that a designated zone for warehouses has been established by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Those warehouses that have not yet regularized their status will be given another opportunity after a survey. However, any unauthorized warehouses posing safety risks will be closed.

In response to a significant fire in a chemical warehouse in Bhiwandi, which resulted in the destruction of 12 warehouses, Fadnavis declared that such illegal facilities would be vacated. The fire broke out in an unlicensed warehouse, highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated storage of hazardous materials.

Fadnavis emphasized that permissions for such warehouses are typically granted by local Gram Panchayat Sarpanchs and secretaries. From this point forward, those who authorize such illegal constructions without proper approvals will face criminal charges. The MMRDA, along with the revenue department, is tasked with verifying all warehouses in the area.

Furthermore, he noted the significance of warehouses in the supply chain and instructed the MMRDA to develop clusters for these facilities along with fire stations. There are also plans to create a logistics park furnished with modern amenities to enhance the supply chain alongside the Samruddhi Highway.