Life of Plastic: India its own worst enemy in tackling polymer pollution

Image Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/

Life of Plastic: India its own worst enemy in tackling polymer pollution

Life of Plastic: India its own worst enemy in tackling polymer pollution

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/life-of-plastic-india-its-own-worst-enemy-in-tackling-polymer-pollution-here-is-how-86212

India only has itself to blame for having not been able to effectively implement policy to tackle plastic pollution. The country’s government has been trying to dilute the very legislation passed by it on this issue, according to a new report by Delhi-based think-tank, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The Plastic Life-Cycle noted that India, which released its current Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016, has since amended it five times - in March 2018, August 2021, September 2021, February 2022 and July 2022. Each of these amendments have been aimed at benefiting major producers, impors and brand owners, according to the report. The document highlighted that unless the entire life cycle of plastic - from source to disposal - is not together considered as the root cause of the pollution it causes, the problem is not going away. Currently though, the focus is entirely on downstream issues related to collection, management, diversion and disposal of plastic waste. The recycling targets (under EPR) for PIBOs only start from 2024-25, which means that there is no mandate on recycling of the collected plastic waste till 2024-25. The report noted that more clarity was needed on what will happen to the collected plastic waste