Representational Image. (Thinkstock)
Furthering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has begun a 'Plastic-free India' drive in Pune in Shirur.
Shirur Town Council launched this drive on a pilot basis yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion after inaugurating the drive, Mr Javadekar said, "Under this drive, we will ban those units which will produce plastic under 40 microns. Also, we are mulling on provisions to punish offenders with imprisonment."
"We will study the conclusions of this pilot drive and then we will implement it throughout country. We will act strictly on environmental pollution. We will spread this message through road rallies in 42 towns of the area," Mr Javadekar said.
"Daily, around 15,000 tons of plastic garbage is produced out of which 9,000 tons is collected and 6,000 tons is left. This is extremely hazardous for our society and for atmosphere," he added.