This Independence Day may well be celebrated as a plastic-free one, if the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has its way.

On Saturday, BBMP Commissioner M.K. Shankarlinge Gowda met officials and representatives of various organisations to discuss plans of making Independence Day celebrations plastic-free.

The meeting has decided to prohibit the sale and use of all plastic material such as flags, banners and buntings, plates and cups during the celebrations. Those found to be violating this would be penalised, the meeting decided.

In a press release, the BBMP has appealed to the citizens to not use any plastic material during the celebrations. The BBMP will take steps to ensure that the State Government’s functions at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds is also plastic-free. “Food will be served to schoolchildren on paper plates, and only paper cups will be used,” the release added.