Hon’ble PM’s appeal for the phase-out SUP, CPCB has made extensive steps to implement India’s promise to ban specific single-use plastic items by June 30, 2022. As a part of its Comprehensive Action Plan, the CPCB has adopted a multi-pronged strategy.
This includes steps to decrease the supply of raw materials and demand-side actions to lessen plastic demand. Enabling actions to encourage SUP alternatives, digital interventions for effective monitoring, and raising awareness. It also advises the State Boards on how to effectively carry out directives.
Plastic Waste Management Rules
The Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules from 2016 forbid the use of plastic packaging at stores.
However, PWM (Amended) Rules, 2021 prohibit producing, importing, stocking, distributing, selling, and using carrying bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than 75 microns has been banned with effect from 30th September 2021 as opposed to 50 microns recommended earlier under PWM Rules, 2016.
Additionally, the notification issued on 12th August 2021, says that manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of the following identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential will be banned from the 1st July 2022.
Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, and knives, straws, trays, packaging film around candy boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners smaller than 100 microns, and stirrers.
At the National, state, and local levels, instructions are issued to limit the supply of certain items. For instance, none of the major petrochemical companies provides plastic raw materials to businesses producing SUPs that are prohibited.
Additionally, instructions are given to SPCB/PCCs to alter or cancel the consent to operate under the Air and Water Act. This is for businesses producing prescribing SUP. The Customs Authority has been requesting to halt the import of SUPs that are not allowed. To close the loop, Local Authorities are instructed to issue new business licenses. This is with the stipulation that SUP items shall not be sold on their premises. The existing commercial licenses will be revoked. This is if entities are found to be selling certain SUP items.
Conclusion:
By convening meetings, the CPCB is assisting the State Boards in operationalizing the advice issued so that all the urban local bodies in the individual nations can successfully implement the guidelines with their assistance.