Bhiwandi Plastic Ban Drive Sparks Extortion Allegations

A civic drive against the use of banned plastic carry bags in Bhiwandi has landed in controversy after allegations of extortion, intimidation, and financial irregularities surfaced against a private agency appointed by the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC).

The allegations were made by BJP corporator Nilesh Choudhary, who has written to Mayor Narayan Choudhary and Municipal Commissioner Anmol Sagar demanding the immediate cancellation of the contract awarded to Rayan Enterprises. According to Choudhary, the agency has been operating in an arbitrary manner, causing substantial financial losses to the civic body.

The contractor was appointed by BNCMC to enforce action against the use of prohibited plastic carry bags and littering in public places. However, it is alleged that the agency has converted the enforcement exercise into a tool for illegal collection of money from traders. The complaint alleges that male and female staff deployed by the private agency routinely enter shops without proper authorisation and intimidate traders in the name of civic enforcement.

Choudhary claimed that several shopkeepers have reported being subjected to verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and even assault during inspection drives. He further alleged that agency personnel forcibly collect cash from shop owners and, in some instances, remove money directly from shop counters. Traders who object are allegedly threatened with false cases, physical violence, and other consequences.

Despite repeated complaints by local traders regarding the conduct of the agency's employees, no effective action has been initiated by the civic administration. One of the most serious allegations relates to the manner in which fines are being collected. According to Choudhary, traders are allegedly being forced to pay Rs 5,000 on the spot during enforcement drives, while official receipts are issued for only Rs 500.

The remaining amount is being misappropriated, resulting in significant revenue losses to the municipal corporation. Choudhary alleged that while the contractor is collecting lakhs of rupees every day, only a fraction of the amount reaches the civic treasury. He also alleged that certain officials within the municipal administration are extending protection to the contractor, allowing the alleged malpractice to continue unchecked.

Choudhary maintained that action against banned plastic should strictly comply with the applicable rules. However, he argued that the primary enforcement should target manufacturers producing plastic bags below the legally permitted thickness rather than penalising small traders indiscriminately. He alleged that even shopkeepers possessing plastic carry bags that meet the prescribed standards are being unnecessarily harassed during the enforcement drives.

The controversy surrounding the plastic ban drive in Bhiwandi highlights the need for effective and transparent enforcement mechanisms. The civic administration must take immediate action to address the allegations and ensure that the enforcement drive is conducted in a fair and lawful manner.

The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the plastic ban in reducing plastic waste in the city. While the ban is intended to promote environmental sustainability, its implementation must be carefully monitored to prevent abuse and ensure that it achieves its intended goals.

In conclusion, the Bhiwandi plastic ban drive has sparked controversy and allegations of extortion, intimidation, and financial irregularities. The civic administration must take immediate action to address these allegations and ensure that the enforcement drive is conducted in a fair and lawful manner.