BAN ON SINGLE USE PLASTIC

Source credit: https://pib.gov.in

In line with the clarion call given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to phase out single use plastic items by 2022, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on 12 August 2021. Carrying forward the spirit of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava’, a defining step to curb pollution caused by littered and unmanaged plastic waste is being taken by the country. India will ban manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, all across the country from July 1, 2022.

The adverse impacts of littered single use plastic items plastic on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including in marine environment are globally recognized. Addressing pollution due to single use plastic items has become an important environmental challenge confronting all countries.

In the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly held in 2019, India had piloted a resolution on addressing single-use plastic products pollution, recognizing the urgent need for the global community to focus on this very important issue. The adoption of this resolution at UNEA 4 was a significant step. In the recently concluded 5th session of United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022, India engaged constructively with all member states to develop consensus on the resolution for driving global action on plastic pollution.

The Government has been taking measures for awareness generation towards elimination of single use plastics The awareness campaign has brought together entrepreneurs and startups, industry, Central, State and Local Governments, regulatory bodies, experts, citizens organizations, R& D and academic institutions.

The success of the ban will only be possible through effective engagement and concerted actions by all stakeholders and enthusiastic public participation, believes the Ministry.

Due to increasing plastic pollution, India was one of the first countries to introduce a nationwide ban on single-use plastics from 2019. This regulation was further extended up to 2022 including a ban on carry-bags, disposables, wrappers and packaging. This step was taken to reduce plastic waste from the environment and to promote plastic-free India.

IMPLICATIONS OF USE OF PLASTIC:

Plastic waste is a global road block in the path of achieving a healthy environment. It is not only harmful to the environment but also poses various health risks. Plastic, if not discarded or recycled properly, can remain in the environment forever. Plastic is non-biodegradable and it can take hundreds of years to decompose, further leading to toxic residue that can contaminate soil, air and water. It affects living organisms, damages wildlife habitats, destroys ecosystems and can contribute to global warming.

We must all pledge to avoid plastic and follow the principle of RRR. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. If we all are committed for the cause of our future generations, this task would be easier and we can eliminate the menace of plastic.