NEW DELHI: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under its multi-pronged approach to eliminate involving reducing the supply of raw materials, demand and promotion of alternatives to the single-use plastic items, has released a list of items which will be prohibited from July 1, 2022.
The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, amended in 2021, completely prohibit the import, manufacturing, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastic items of less than 75 microns thickness. Additionally, the notification issued on August 12, 2022, prohibits the import, manufacturing, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastic items with low utility and high littering potential w.e.f. July 1, 2022.
In line with the notification of August 12, CPCB, on June 18, has shared a list of items prohibited from July 1, 2022. The list includes plastic sticks for balloons, earbuds with plastic sticks, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, plastic flags, polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration, cutlery such as forks, plates, glasses, cups, trays, spoons, straws, knives, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, stirrers and plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns.
The national, state and local level authorities have been directed to give effect to the prohibition of listed items. Directives have been issued to the petrochemical industry to not supply plastic raw materials to the manufacturing units of single-use plastic, and the Customs Authority to bar the import of banned single-use plastic items. Similarly, local authorities have also been directed to cancel the existing license and issue fresh commercial licenses with a necessary pre-condition for the entities to not allow the sale of prohibited plastic items on their premises. The directives also mentioned that the commercial license of the entities, flaunting these prescribed norms will be cancelled.
On the other hand, measures have been taken to promote the alternatives to single-use plastic. The CPCB has certified nearly 200 manufacturers, who do not need to renew their license under the ease of doing business policy of the government.
To facilitate the participation of citizens, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) and local bodies are organising awareness campaigns among students, self-help groups (SHG), NGOs, corporate entities and other various bodies.