India struggles to manage its growing plastic pollution problem

Source: The post India struggles to manage its growing plastic pollution problem has been created, based on the article “A powerful judicial remedy for waste management” published in “The Hindu” on 30 April 2025. India struggles to manage its growing plastic pollution problem.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Environment and Bio-diversity Conservation

Context: India has emerged as the world’s largest plastic polluter, emitting 9.3 million tonnes annually. A recent study published in Nature highlights serious flaws in India’s plastic waste data and management systems. The issue demands urgent reforms, better data collection, and judicially enforced environmental accountability.

For detailed information on Plastic ban failure – Managing plastic waste needs a multi-pronged strategy read this article here

India’s Alarming Plastic Waste Footprint

1. Massive Contribution to Global Emissions: India emits 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year—about one-fifth of global plastic emissions. This includes unmanaged debris and emissions from open plastic burning.
2. Underestimated Waste Generation Rates: While official figures report 0.12 kg per capita per day, the Nature study estimates actual generation at 0.54 kg, showing serious underestimation.
3. Flaws in Official Reporting: Despite claims of 95% collection coverage, rural areas, open burning, and informal recycling are not included. This leads to overestimated collection and underestimated generation.

Data and Infrastructure Deficits

1. Opaque Methodologies in Data Collection: Pollution Control Boards rely on municipal data, but reports lack transparency about data-gathering methods. Methodologies should be made public and audited by third parties.
2. Poor Rural and Informal Coverage: Large areas under panchayati raj and informal recycling are left out. Dump sites outnumber sanitary landfills 10:1, reflecting inadequate waste containment.
3. Data Deficit in the Himalayan Region: A recent article highlighted missing waste data in the Himalayan States, making it hard to assess capacity and implement targeted solutions in these ecologically sensitive zones.

Role of Local Bodies and Technology

1. Decentralised Responsibility for Waste: By law, local governments—urban and rural—are central to waste management. Each must be linked with recovery facilities, EPR kiosks, recyclers, and landfills.
2. Leveraging Technology for Oversight: India should use its tech capabilities to geotag waste infrastructure, track operations, and improve both accountability and efficiency in waste management.
3. Implementing EPR through Kiosks: PIBOs (producers, importers, brand owners) must set up kiosks nationwide. These should suit local geography, waste volumes, and accessibility to collect and segregate waste.

Supreme Court’s Environmental Vigilance

1. Verdict on Vellore Tanneries: The Supreme Court directed restoration of pollution-hit areas in Vellore. A committee will monitor compliance within four months under continuing mandamus.
2. Need for Active Judicial Oversight: The Court noted that schemes often remain on paper. Justice requires strict enforcement and time-bound compliance, especially in environmental matters.

Legal Enforcement of Polluter Pays Principle

1. Clear Liability of Polluters: Polluters are absolutely liable for both compensating victims and restoring environmental damage. Liability extends to active and negligent contributors.
2. Compensation Challenges and State Responsibility: Calculating fair compensation is complex. The Court applied the ‘Government Pay Principle‘, requiring the state to pay victims first and recover costs from polluters.
3. Continuing Mandamus as a Solution: This judicial tool ensures compliance over time. Its broader use can improve accountability in waste management and environmental protection nationwide.

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Question for practice:

Examine the key challenges in India’s plastic waste management system and the role of judicial oversight in addressing them.