India's ban on single-use plastic comes into effect

The ban on select single-use plastics by India in order to reduce plastic wastage comes into effect from today.

Single-use plastics are typically items that are discarded after being used only once and does not go for the recycling process. The adverse impacts and menace of littered single-use plastic items plastic on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are globally recognized.

The banned items include earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns and stirrers.

A National Control Room has been established in the Central Pollution Control Board to monitor the enforcement of the ban, besides asking the state boards to undertake comprehensive Awareness activities including social media campaign, interactive meetings with industries, colleges, schools and other institutions.

In line with the clarion call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to phase out single use plastic items by 2022, the environment ministry had notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on 12 August 2021.

Carrying forward the spirit of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava' -- 75th year of Independence, a defining step to curb pollution caused by littered and unmanaged plastic waste is being taken by the country.

Meanwhile, Norway's charge d'affaires, Martine Aamdal Bottheim on July 1 welcomed India's decision of 'single-use plastic ban' in India and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the 'important step.'

The Norwegian envoy highlighted the problem of pollution of the oceans and air and said, "We share the oceans and we share the air so this is a global problem," adding that it is important that India should succeed in its effort.

(ANI)