Identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, have already been prohibited, with effect from 1st July, 2022, vide Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 notified on 12th August 2021, across the country, according to the centre in a statement to parliament.
The notification also prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of plastic carry bags having thickness less than one hundred and twenty microns with effect from the 31st December, 2022.
As per the centre, regular enforcement drives have been undertaken to implement a ban on identified single use plastic items and on plastic carry bags having thickness less than one hundred twenty microns. Actions have been taken on the deviations, which include seizure of banned single use plastic items and levy of penalty.
Central Government, State Governments and local authorities need to take steps on moving towards eco-friendly alternatives. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has schemes to provide support to MSME units, which include support to such units which were earlier involved in manufacturing of banned single use plastic items for switching over to alternatives / other products. Further, to encourage innovation in development of alternatives to banned identified single use plastic items and digital solutions to plastic waste management, concerned central ministries including Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and CPCB, have organized Hackathons. The ban on identified single use plastic items has triggered development of innovative eco-alternatives. The Eco-alternatives inter alia made from coir, bagasse, rice and wheat bran, plant and agricultural residue, banana and areca leaves, jute and cloth. In keeping with the development of eco-alternatives, Bureau of Indian Standard has notified Indian Standard IS 18267 for Food Serving Utensil Made from Agri By-Products.
The ban on identified single use plastic items should triggered development of innovative eco-alternatives. The Eco-alternatives inter alia made from coir, bagasse, rice and wheat bran, plant and agricultural residue, banana and areca leaves, jute and cloth. In keeping with the development of eco-alternatives, Bureau of Indian Standard has notified Indian Standard IS 18267 for Food Serving Utensil Made from Agri By-Products.
While various mechanisms along with laws and rules have been worked out, eradicating the offensive material should be a continuous process and all measures need to be taken in this regard.
There is need for continuous public awareness on plastic waste management and elimination of single-use plastics.
