Latest news with #PlasticWasteManagementRules
New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
NGT takes note of plastic waste violations, seeks report
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has issued notice to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and others regarding the strict enforcement of the Plastic Waste Management Rules by the manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala and tobacco products. A bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel noted the submissions of the petitioner's counsel that in October 2021, the CPCB issued certain directions to 25 such manufacturers, including immediately closing down operations until they switched to environmentally sound alternatives, which were not complied with. The bench, in its order dated May 30, noted that according to the counsel, Anuj Aggarwal, certain provisions of the plastic waste management rules were being flouted. These included the clause that 'sachets using plastic material shall not be used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala' and 'plastic material, in any form including vinyl acetate, maleic acid, vinyl chloride copolymer (used in plastic coating) shall not be used in any package for packaging gutkha, pan masala and tobacco in all forms', the bench noted.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala HC imposes ban on single-use plastic items in hilly areas
Expressing concern at the pollution due to unregulated and irresponsible disposal of plastic waste in the State, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday issued an order banning the use of single-use plastic items in hilly areas where visitors converge in large numbers, at functions like weddings and also in eateries from October 2, Gandhi Jayanthi. The ban is on plastic water bottles with less than five litre carrying capacity, soft drink bottles with less than two litre carrying capacity, food containers, plates, cups and straws, among others, and is extended to official functions hosted by government agencies. Irresponsible disposal of plastic waste posed a serious threat to all life forms, said the court. On breaking down, plastic turns into harmful micro plastic nodules, which find their way into waterbodies and are ultimately consumed by human beings and animals. Even after knowing this, the use of alternatives to plastic has not permeated into the human lifestyle. The Indian Constitution behoves each person to conserve the environment for future generations – a trust bestowed on us. It is thus essential to minimise the use of plastic. The court went on to add that adequate number of kiosks that vend clean and safe drinking water must be set up at tourist spots in hilly areas, at weddings and other events, or water should be supplied in glass or stainless steel bottles. The alternatives to use and throw plastic food containers and tumblers included containers made of stainless steel or glass or those made of biodegradable substances. Likewise, cloth of paper bags were the ideal alternative to non-woven carry bags. In waterbodies In addition, the State government and local bodies must take steps to prevent the dumping of plastic waste in waterbodies. On its part, the State government must take steps to spread awareness on the ill effects of single-use plastics and the indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste. Steps must also be taken to ensure adherence to the 'extended producer responsibility' as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and the other pertinent legal provisions. The adherence to these rules was needed to protect the fundamental right that people had to have a safe and clean environment, the court said. It further directed the Chief Secretary and the Special Secretary of Local Self Government institutions to coordinate with local bodies, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and the police to effectively implement the directions. The court reminded that both the State government and the pollution control board had banned the use of single-use plastics in 2019 and 2018 respectively. Voluntary organisations can help collect plastic waste from waterbodies. Submit suggestions The High Court had earlier this month directed the State government and other stakeholders to address environmental problems posed by the widespread use of small plastic water bottles, especially at tourist destinations in hilly areas, wedding receptions, and other celebrations and had instructed stakeholders, including the pollution control board, to submit their suggestions by Monday, to pronounce its order on the matter on Tuesday. Earlier, while suggesting the implementation of a buy-back system by which the Kerala State Beverages Corporation could collect such plastic bottles and return them to liquor companies for recycling, the court had observed that such a system could significantly reduce plastic waste in the State. The order was based on a suo motu case taken up following concerns flagged during the proceedings related to the fire at a solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram in Kochi in 2023.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Telangana govt urged to impose total ban on single-use plastics
1 2 Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has urged the state govt to impose a total ban on single-use plastics (SUP), citing severe environmental damage and health risks. In a detailed representation, FGG highlighted the widespread littering of plastic carry bags, plates and other disposable items, which choke drains, pollute water bodies, endanger wildlife and compromise soil and groundwater quality. Drawing attention to successful bans in Karnataka and Maharashtra, the forum stressed that enforcement of existing rules was ineffective and called for comprehensive action. FGG president Padmanabha Reddy said, "Even with the slightest rain, the roads get flooded, leading to traffic chaos, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Hyderabad, besides damaging property and sometimes claiming human life. Domesticated animals consuming leftover food and other waste thrown in plastic bags die a painful death. Burning of plastics leads to the emission of highly toxic gases, particularly dioxins and furans. " He added, "In Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, less than 50 micron thickness carry bags were banned, but it is impossible to control and regulate the manufacturing and use of such plastic carry bags as public are not in a position to know the exact thickness." FGG said the National Green Tribunal (NGT) upheld the legal validity of the total ban on plastics imposed by Karnataka. The plastic industry filed an appeal against the NGT order before the SC, which refused to stay the NGT order, he said. "The govt of Karnataka has taken into account the environmental concern and protection of public interest, which is of much greater cause than the economic interest sought by the manufacturers of single-use plastic items. Telangana should follow the footsteps of Karnataka," he said.
India Today
05-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
India's plastic waste crisis could be its greatest economic chance
India generates nearly 3.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, placing it behind only the US and the European Union. Yet it recycles just 8% of that projections suggesting a rise in plastic consumption to 70.5 million tonnes by 2035, continuing with the current systems will only raise recycling rates to a meager 11% (National Circular Economy Roadmap for Reducing Plastic Waste in India).advertisementWhat appears to be a burden, waste, could actually become a productive stream of materials, income, and jobs. If addressed with urgency and clarity, India can emerge as a global leader in circular economy practices. The scale of waste, whether plastic, e-waste, tyres, construction debris, or solar panels, is not a liability but a potential stream of raw material, value creation, and jobs. A circular economy cannot grow from a few isolated projects. (Photo: Getty) The government has laid a strong foundation by setting up a dedicated Circular Economy Cell in NITI Aayog and finalizing action plans for 10 major waste categories. At the same time, states, industries, and communities are showing promising intent through public-private collaborations and decentralized Backing and Strategic FocusadvertisementIndia's steps toward a circular economy are shaped by a robust policy framework. Action plans supported by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-labelling rules, and bans on select single-use plastics signal a deeper institutional commitment to reducing resource dependency and improving 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules, the revised e-Waste Management Rules, and specific EPR targets are helping bring accountability to producers and LiFE and Eco-Mark initiatives are reinforcing market demand for sustainable alternatives. But regulations alone are not enough. The success of these policies depends on effective enforcement, clarity across jurisdictions, and regular updates that respond to technological and market at the ForefrontIndian businesses are beginning to reimagine waste as a value chain input rather than a disposal challenge. The India Plastics Pact is one such initiative where businesses have come together with civil society and regulators to redesign plastic packaging and eliminate materials that cannot be reused or plastics, the private sector is finding value in what was earlier discarded. India's metal scrap recycling industry was valued at about USD 11 billion in 2023 as per PwC. By 2025, there could be around 22.5 million end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), which could provide 5 million tonnes of steel scrap and over 1 million tonnes of aluminum and copper. If we have proper sorting and recovery systems, this waste can be reused in manufacturing, easing pressure on natural resources and lowering and the Informal SectoradvertisementMuch of India's recycling work is powered by informal workers, many of whom are women. Women's cooperatives, especially in states like Kerala, have set up efficient systems for household-level plastic collection and initiatives do not just improve recycling rates; they create stable jobs and drive local change. Much of India's recycling work is powered by informal workers. (Photo: Getty) However, many of these roles remain informal, underpaid, and unsupported. To unlock their full potential, their work needs to be brought into the formal system through skilling, social security, and access to women entrepreneurs are stepping into plastic recycling businesses but face barriers such as limited access to technology, capital, and training. A more deliberate approach to support women-led recycling units could double the impact, economically and Practices, Contemporary RelevanceIndia's villages offer practical lessons in circular living. Food waste is composted or fed to animals. Packaging often relies on banana leaves, clay pots, and cotton or jute bags. These low-impact, biodegradable solutions have existed for generations and are seeing a ethos of 'waste is wealth' is not new in is new is the opportunity to bring this thinking into modern industry. With 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste generated annually, there's scope to produce over 18,000 MW of power. Used oil from industries can be reprocessed, cutting import dependency. Even India's growing solar infrastructure, which could produce 600 kilotonnes of waste by 2030, can become a valuable recycling stream with the right the Circular EcosystemA circular economy cannot grow from a few isolated projects. It requires different groups, producers, regulators, recyclers, researchers, and consumers, to work together with a shared build this kind of system, we need to focus on a few practical steps:advertisementEnforce existing rules more consistently and improve coordination between state and central in recycling facilities and systems that track materials to reduce demand for recycled products by encouraging public procurement and clear training and support especially for small businesses and informal workers so they can adopt circular data more transparent, including understanding the full life cycle of materials, to help policymakers and consumers make better new financial tools like green bonds or blended finance to lower risks and help fund circular projects. India can emerge as a global leader in circular economy practices. (Photo: Getty) India's circular economy is not a borrowed model, it is built on indigenous wisdom, strong policy intent, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. It speaks to the country's future growth ambitions, while honoring the efficient, frugal, and regenerative practices of its the potential to unlock $218 billion by 2030 and over USD 624 billion by 2050 through circularity, India can show the world how economic growth and environmental responsibility can move Watch
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Waste to worth: Rural India's plastic challenge
The quiet rhythm of rural India paints a serene picture. However, beneath this calm, another reality is unfolding, less visible but deeply consequential. The rise of single-use plastics, once embraced as a marker of access is leaving behind a footprint that village ecosystems are struggling to manage. While 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated daily, only 9% gets recycled (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). Unmanaged plastics breaks down into fragments that persist in the environment for centuries. Urban India generates 38 grams of waste per capita daily, while rural areas produce just 5 grams. This sharp disparity has kept plastic waste solutions urban-centric — often overlooking the quiet but growing challenge in villages of India. Convenience-driven consumption has fuelled the rise of sachets and pouches accounting for 35% of FMCG sales from rural India. The widespread use of multi-layered plastic packaging for products like shampoos, biscuits, and gutka adds to the growing plastic waste burden in rural areas. A study by Pratham Foundation found that over 60% of rural households burn non-biodegradable waste, including plastics, releasing toxic, often carcinogenic fumes e.g., dioxins and carbon monoxide. When not burnt, its lightweight leads to littering fields and clogging water bodies. These micro-plastic contaminants seep into the soil and water bodies, finding their way into the food chain. Recognising the growing threat, the Indian government has undertaken a comprehensive approach to tackle rural plastic waste by strengthening policy frameworks, launching nationwide campaign to change usage behaviour, and allocating budgets for necessary infrastructure. The 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules by the Central Pollution Control Board extended coverage to rural areas, assigning panchayats the responsibility to ban open burning and plastic littering; prohibit the use and manufacture of thin polythene bags (< 120micron) and promote eco-friendly alternatives. The Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign drives behaviour changes to navigate the Indian population from a throwaway culture to a circular economy. Since 2020, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II has been focusing on building rural waste infrastructure compost pits, segregation sheds, waste collection vehicles, and plastic waste management units. While efforts of SBM (Gramin) have brought in significant infrastructure; sustained impact depends on community adoption — a gap that persists in many villages. With limited awareness, that 70% of their waste is biodegradable, communities often see little reason to segregate their waste. Burning becomes the default, without the knowledge of its impact. The scattered nature of rural households leads to low waste volumes, making regular collection unviable. Moreover, the dominance of multi-layered plastics limits the optimum utilisation and revenue potential of large material recovery centres at the block level. Addressing these gaps requires local leadership, community participation, and innovative financing — factors driving several successful rural waste management models today. In Kaladwas panchayat, Rajasthan, a door-to-door collection system thrives through convergence with State Finance Commission funds. Likewise, Jeridih East, Jharkhand, sustains its waste management efforts via a monthly ₹40 household fee per household. An innovative approach, integrating technology is adopted in Shahzadpur Kanaini, Uttar Pradesh, where GPS-based tracking of waste collection vehicles complements a plastic shredding unit that recycles waste into road construction materials. The panchayat also runs a vermicomposting unit led by a women's SHG, earning ₹13 lakhs in 3 years, setting a benchmark for rural India. Building on the successes and learnings from these exemplary models, a multi-pronged approach is derived. A pragmatic approach that's anchored in culture, community, and capacity. Reviving traditional practices such as using stitched-leaf cutlery/banana leaves at rural events, can help reduce single use plastics. Equally crucial is fostering community ownership of waste segregation and collection. Awareness campaigns must inspire household to segregate waste consistently and encourage depositing it at accessible community bins. Panchayats, in their Gram Panchayat Development Plans must include budgets to install waste infrastructure like bins and sorting sheds encouraging effective waste management. For these approaches to take root, the primary step is to equip local leadership with right tools and knowledge. Structured capacity building program can support sarpanches, village committees, block officers in translating intent into implementation. From generating awareness to making optimal use of available funds, targeted training can strengthen each link of the chain. States can also activate WASH training cell as suggested under SBM-G to institutionalise these efforts. Forward linkages are key to closing the loop. States need to collaborate with industries—like cement plants and road contractors to repurpose multi-layered plastic waste. Toll-free helpline can guide panchayats or block centres in strengthening these partnerships, turning waste into a resource and rural challenges into circular solutions. As India advances toward Viksit Bharat, it's incumbent to address the foundational challenge of rural plastic waste management. Sustainable progress can happen only when villages – where a majority of India resides — adopt effective waste management practices. This World Environment Day is a timely reminder to empower communities to reduce, segregate, and repurpose waste for building a cleaner, greener Bharat. This article is authored by Sangeeta Mamgain, core teammMember, School of Climate and Sustainability, Piramal School of Leadership.
