Ranchi Municipal Corporation Calls for Public Participation in Single-Use Plastic Crackdown
In a significant push to bolster enforcement against single-use plastic (SUP), the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has made a public appeal to citizens, urging them to actively utilize the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) SUP grievance application. This mobile app is readily available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, providing a streamlined channel for residents to report violations.
How the CPCB Grievance App Facilitates Civic Action
The application empowers citizens to file photo-based complaints concerning the use, sale, and illegal disposal of banned plastic items. This digital tool is designed to enable quicker and more transparent civic action. According to RMC officials, the initiative is a crucial component of ongoing efforts to implement the nationwide ban on single-use plastic, which officially came into effect on July 1, 2022.
The civic body has been conducting regular inspection drives across various parts of the city to monitor compliance and take necessary action as per established regulations. This hands-on approach is complemented by the digital grievance system to create a more comprehensive enforcement strategy.
Enforcement Data Highlights Regulatory Efforts
Official data shared by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation underscores the scale of recent enforcement activities. Specifically targeting single-use plastic carry bags from April 1, 2025, to the present, authorities have issued 50 challans, imposed a total penalty of Rs 1,81,220, and successfully recovered Rs 1,49,500.
Officials emphasized that these figures reflect not only regulatory action but also highlight the pressing need for broader public participation to enhance overall compliance with the ban.
RMC’s Statement on the App’s Functionality
In an official statement, RMC elaborated on the app’s purpose: “The SUP grievance app has been activated by CPCB to make complaint registration simple and transparent. Citizens can upload photographs and report banned plastic products such as plastic straws, disposable cups, plates, spoons, and carry bags. This helps ensure quicker action on violations.”
Citizen Perspectives on Long-Term Success
City residents have acknowledged the ongoing enforcement drives and penalties but pointed out that achieving long-term success in eradicating single-use plastic will depend on several key factors. These include consistent regulation, the widespread availability of affordable and practical alternatives, and a shift toward more responsible consumer behavior.
The integration of technology through the CPCB app is seen as a vital step in fostering greater community involvement and ensuring that the fight against plastic pollution is a shared responsibility between authorities and the public.
