Sambalpur: SMC Cracks Down in Golbazar; 13 Kg Polythene Seized, Fines Imposed on Local Shops
Sambalpur: The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) continues its crackdown on banned polythene bags without pause. Today, the enforcement team raided several commercial establishments in the Golbazar area. The raid resulted in the confiscation of 13 kilograms of polythene and the collection of ₹8,100 in fines from violators. SMC Commissioner Bedabhusan confirmed the strict enforcement efforts.
Previous Raids Yielded Results
The crackdown on polythene began a few days ago and is progressing steadily. A raid in the Govindtola area resulted in the seizure of 24 kilograms of banned polythene and fines of ₹10,000 for shop owners who violated the ban. Earlier raids in two other locations across the city resulted in the confiscation of 69 kilograms of polythene, with fines amounting to ₹11,000.
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After a long period of inactivity, SMC’s enforcement department has resumed full operations, and various segments of the public have widely welcomed this renewed effort.
Pioneering Polythene Ban
The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation was the first in the state to impose a strict ban on polythene bags. This regulation went into effect in 2018, and SMC’s proactive measures were widely praised. Eventually, the ban was enforced throughout the state. However, in terms of regular enforcement, SMC had slipped behind. Previously known for frequent raids that kept polythene traders on alert, the city had seen a resurgence in polythene usage over time.
With the enforcement team’s renewed efforts, the crackdown has once again intensified, with the goal of completely eliminating the use of banned polythene in the city and surrounding areas.