What’s UP With The Ban?: Single-use plastic is still choking drains in cities

Source: The post is based on the article “What’s UP With The Ban?: Single-use plastic is still choking drains in cities. Banning it won’t work until there are cheap alternatives” published in Times of India on 25th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation)

News: In this article author says the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) in India is not effective enough. Many small businesses still use them as alternatives are expensive. The author suggests the government should support cheaper, eco-friendly alternatives. The author also highlights that plastic waste causes floods and environmental problems.

What is single-use plastics (SUPs)?

Read here: What is Single-Use Plastic (SUP) and magnitude of its usage?

Why ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) in India is not effective enough?

1. Lack of Enforcement: State pollution boards haven’t strongly enforced the ban. For instance, despite the 2016 ban in Karnataka, SUPs still dominate in Bengaluru.
2. Limited Awareness: Many people know about the ban, but compliance is low.
3. Small Business Reliance: SUPs are essential for many small businesses due to their low cost.
4. Costly Alternatives: Eco-friendly alternatives are more expensive, making them less appealing. Like, in Hyderabad, 70% of desilted waste from water bodies is plastic.

What are the impacts of single use plastic?

1. Environmental Hazards: SUPs increase flood risks during monsoons.
2. Water Body Contamination: In Hyderabad, 70% of desilted material from water bodies is plastic.
3. Drain Blockages: Delhi and Mumbai face choked drains due to plastic garbage, affecting drainage.
4. Ocean Pollution: Mumbai’s drainage system disposes plastics into the sea, harming marine life.

What should be done?

1. Strengthen Enforcement: Ensure state pollution boards actively enforce the ban.
2. Boost Awareness: Increase efforts like in Bengaluru with awareness drives and penalties.
3. Support Small Businesses: Help them transition to affordable alternatives.
4. Promote Alternatives: Government should prioritize and fund recyclable/compostable innovations.