Will Single use plastic (SUP)vanish at least in 2023 ?

Published in Dwarka Express on 7.1.23

“To enable citizen participation, an SUP Public Grievance App was launched by Hon’ble Minister EF&CC, Shri Bhupender Yadav and comprehensive directions have been issued to all stake holders. By doing so, the Government has proved its seriousness to control SUPs. So, CPCB is hell bent to enforce SUP ban from July 22. India is a vast country with 140 crore population most of whom might not have gone through the new set of rules. It is therefore understandable that implementation would take time. It is the duty of every Indian to raise to the occasion to address this issue seriously. South Express expects that there would be many violations reported in the App. It is going to be a formidable task to address all grievances. Nevertheless, it is also true that if we miss the bus this time, it will not be possible to return to the plastic free era. Will the SUPs vanish? Let us not wait and watch, but ACT NOW!”

Ban on SUP was enforced from 1.7.22. South Express recently made a country wide survey, to find the effectiveness of the ban. Many participated in the survey and the general feedback is that there is no visible change in the usage of SUPs. Some were of the firm opinion that there should be a strict ban on manufacturing of the SUPs.

As per the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, there is a complete ban on sachets using plastic material used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala. As per PWM (Amended) Rules, 2021, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than seventy-five microns has been banned with effect from 30th September, 2021 as opposed to fifty microns recommended earlier under PWM Rules, 2016. Additionally, the notification of 12^th August 2021, prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential with effect from the 1st July, 2022. All said and done, the SUPs are yet to bid adieu!