What Are the Consequences of Seizing 1,985 Tonnes of Banned Single-Use Plastic Items?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown on plastic pollution, authorities seized 1,985 tonnes of banned single-use plastic and imposed fines totaling Rs 19.82 crore. This action, part of ongoing enforcement measures, highlights the government's commitment to environmental sustainability. Discover the implications of this initiative on eco-alternatives and the future of plastic waste management in India.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,985 tonnes of banned single-use plastics confiscated.
- Fines amounting to Rs 19.82 crore imposed.
- 861,740 inspections conducted since 2022.
- Launch of a compendium for eco-alternatives.
- 157 lakh tonnes of plastic waste recycled since the EPR guidelines.
New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) A staggering 1,985 tonnes of prohibited single-use plastic items have been confiscated, with a fine of Rs 19.82 crore imposed, as reported by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, during a parliamentary session on Monday.
In a written statement to the Lok Sabha, Singh highlighted that ongoing enforcement initiatives are in place to uphold the ban on specified single-use plastic items.
“The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on August 12, 2021, which prohibits certain Single Use Plastic (SUP) items characterized by low utility and high potential for littering, effective from July 1, 2022,” Singh explained.
Since 2022, a total of 861,740 inspections have been carried out,” he noted.
Singh also mentioned that the ban has spurred the creation of innovative eco-friendly alternatives. Consequently, the Ministry and the Central Pollution Control Board have developed a “Compendium of manufacturers/sellers of eco-alternatives” to banned single-use plastic items, which was launched on World Environment Day, 2025.
“This compendium lists nearly 1,000 units across the nation. In line with the development of eco-alternatives, the Bureau of Indian Standards previously notified Indian Standard IS 18267 for food-serving utensils made from agricultural by-products,” Singh added.
According to the Centralised EPR portal on plastic packaging, 51,838 producers, importers, and brand owners, along with 2,948 plastic waste processors are registered.
“Since the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines on plastic packaging on February 16, 2022, approximately 157 lakh tonnes of plastic packaging waste has been recycled,” the Minister of State stated.
This year’s World Environment Day was observed nationwide under the slogan ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’.
The National Plastic Pollution Reduction Campaign (NPPRC) has initiated various activities from June 5 to October 31 aimed at diminishing plastic pollution in both tiger reserves and urban and rural settings, as well as minimizing the use of avoidable single-use plastics in government offices, among other efforts.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that the government's rigorous enforcement against banned single-use plastics is a necessary step in addressing the environmental crisis. By implementing fines and promoting eco-friendly alternatives, we are not only protecting our ecosystems but also paving the way for sustainable practices in our daily lives. It is imperative that we support this initiative for a healthier planet.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of plastic items are banned?
The banned items include specific Single Use Plastic (SUP) products that have low utility and high littering potential.
When did the ban on single-use plastics take effect?
The ban took effect on July 1, 2022, following the notification of the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021.
How many inspections have been conducted since the ban?
Since 2022, there have been a total of 861,740 inspections conducted to enforce the ban.
What is the purpose of the compendium launched by the Ministry?
The compendium serves to provide information on manufacturers and sellers of eco-alternatives to banned single-use plastic items.
What is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
The EPR is a policy framework that holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste management and recycling.
