Plastic pollution is a major issue faced by the world at present. Plastic pollution is not only causing harm to the animals but to the environment which includes the human race as well. All the countries around the world are trying to find different ways to combat the issue of plastic pollution and so is our country India. Considering the hazardous risks that plastic waste poses to the environment and human health, India has implemented important policies and legislative measures to prevent plastic pollution. Urbanization and the fast expansion of industry have made plastic pollution a serious problem. India has responded to this by enacting a number of laws, prohibitions, and rules that target single-use plastics, encourage sustainable alternatives, and promote plastic waste management. Let us talk about the measures that are followed by India to curb plastic pollution in the article below.
Rules for the Management of Plastic Waste, 2016:
- The 2016 Plastic Garbage Management Rules require those who produce plastic garbage to take action to reduce their output, refrain from littering, make sure that waste is stored separately at the source, and transfer separated waste in compliance with regulations.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which applies to both pre- and post-consumer plastic container waste, is imposed on producers, importers, and brand owners by the PWM Rules, 2016.
- In rural regions, the Gram Panchayat is in charge of enforcing the regulations.
The 2022 Plastic Waste Management (the amendment) Rules established EPR standards for plastic packaging:
- These rules establish mandatory EPR, rigid plastic packaging reuse, plastic packaging waste recycling, and recycled plastic content utilization targets.
- According to the polluter pays principle, those who don’t reach EPR targets will have to pay environmental compensation.
- This is to avoid, control, and lessen pollution as well as to safeguard and enhance the environment.
- Regardless of their intentions, the principle requires polluters to make amends for the harm they have caused to the environment.
- The guidelines offer a structure to improve the sustainability of waste from plastic packaging.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
The management of plastic garbage has been greatly impacted by initiatives like the initiative known as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (hygienic India Mission), which was introduced in 2014. As part of this initiative:
Authorities promote sustainable waste management techniques and urge businesses and citizens to use fewer single-use plastics. To raise public awareness of the negative impacts of contamination by plastic and encourage behavioral change, awareness programs and cleanup efforts are planned.
Ban on the use of polyethylene bags:
On August 12, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change announced the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules of the year 2021, which, as of July 1, 2022, forbid the use of certain single-use plastic products with poor utility and significant littering potential.
With effect from December 31, 2022, it will also be illegal to manufacture, import, stock, distribute, sell, or use plastic carry bags that are thinner than 120 microns. As of September 30, 2021, nonwoven plastic carry bags weighing less than 60 grams per square meter (GSM) are also forbidden
