Municipal Bodies to Get Powers to Act Against Plastic Flower Market: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Legislative Council that municipal corporations will be empowered to take action against the growing market of plastic flowers. He also stated that a special notification will soon be issued to enforce a ban on plastic flowers.

Despite an existing plastic ban in the state, the increasing use of artificial (plastic) flowers in markets is adversely affecting farmers engaged in the natural flower business. Addressing this concern during the Question Hour, the Chief Minister said that stricter measures will be introduced to curb the use of such products.

The issue was raised by member Pravin Darekar, while supplementary questions were asked by members Shashikant Shinde, Amit Gorkhe, Amol Mitkari, Sadabhau Khot, and Anil Parab.

Fadnavis explained that under the existing plastic ban notification, a special directive will be issued to specifically prohibit the use of plastic and artificial flowers. Municipal bodies will be granted authority to take action against markets dealing in such products. Additionally, notices will be served to decorators, banquet halls, and other stakeholders using plastic flowers. Violations of the rules will attract penalties, he added.

Providing further details, Minister Pankaja Munde said that under the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Ban Notification, 2018, the use of plastic and thermocol for decorative purposes is already completely prohibited. She also noted that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had issued a circular on August 29, 2025, advising against the use of artificial flowers during festivals.

Between April 2025 and January 2026, authorities inspected 1,24,783 establishments, out of which action was taken against 3,390 violators. A total fine of ₹1.55 crore was collected, and 67.54 metric tonnes of single-use plastic were seized during this period.