As the world is facing a major crisis related to plastic waste, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to tackle this issue. India is one of the largest producers of plastic waste in the world, and the government is working towards reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in the country. In this article, we will discuss some of the initiatives taken by the Indian government related to plastic waste.
Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016
The Indian government implemented the Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016 to regulate the use of plastic in the country. The rules prohibit the use of plastic bags thinner than 50 microns and require manufacturers to print a message on plastic bags indicating that they are harmful to the environment. The rules also mandate the setting up of collection and recycling systems for plastic waste.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission is a nationwide campaign launched by the Indian government to clean the streets, roads, and infrastructure of the country. As part of this campaign, the government is working towards making the country free of open defecation and litter. The campaign also includes a focus on reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in the country.
Ban on Single-Use Plastics
Several states in India have banned the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, cups, and straws. The states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh have completely banned single-use plastics, while other states have imposed partial bans. The Indian government has also announced that it plans to ban single-use plastics by 2022.
Extended Producer Responsibility
The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has been introduced in India to hold manufacturers responsible for the disposal of their products. Under this concept, manufacturers are required to take back their products and recycle them at the end of their useful life. This helps to reduce the amount of waste generated in the country and promotes recycling.
Promotion of Recycling
The Indian government is promoting the use of recycled plastic by setting up recycling plants across the country. These plants convert plastic waste into useful products such as roads, tiles, and furniture. The government is also encouraging the use of recycled plastic in the construction of roads and other infrastructure.
Plastic Parks
The Indian government has announced plans to set up Plastic Parks across the country. These parks will house recycling units, waste collection centres, and other facilities related to plastic waste management. The government is also providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs who want to set up recycling units.
Clean Ganga Mission
The Clean Ganga Mission is a flagship program of the Indian government aimed at cleaning the Ganga river and its tributaries. One of the major components of the program is the reduction of plastic waste in the river. The government is working towards setting up waste management systems along the river to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the river.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian government has taken several initiatives related to plastic waste management. These initiatives include the Plastic Waste Management Rules, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the ban on single-use plastics, the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility, the promotion of recycling, the setting up of Plastic Parks, and the Clean Ganga Mission. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in the country and promoting the use of recycled plastic. It is hoped that these initiatives will help to create a cleaner and greener India.