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Life in plastic: on waste management framework
Article:
- The article discusses the issues with the waste management framework in India
Important Analysis:
- Waste management legislation in India: Solid Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
- Issues:
- Poor implementation by state governments
- Not much concern among producers of plastic articles
- Around 60% of total 25000 tonnes of plastic waste generated each day is collected. Nearly 10000 tonnes thus released to the environment; majority flows to water bodies.
- Collected plastic not scientifically processed; collection, segregation and transfer not done properly
- Micro-plastic pollution which even pollutes drinking water
- Not much achieved in regulating usage of single-use plastics. E.g.: carry bags, cutlery
- Fraudulent products entering markets; Example: compostable bags – According Plastic Waste Management rules, manufactures of compostable bags need to get a certificate from Central Pollution Control Board
- Impact of plastic pollution:
- Marine pollution; Threatens marine life
- Note: The Ganga-Bramhaputra- Meghna River System features on UN map of 10 rivers worldwide that carry a bulk of plastic waste to oceans
- Health hazard for people
- Voluntary efforts:
- Individuals, communities have taken initiatives to segregate waste, compost at home and run awareness programmes across social media platforms
- Suggestions:
- Reform in the waste management framework
- Anti-pollution rules should be effectively implemented