NEW DELHI: Following suit of many private and PSU companies, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has announced the ban on usage of single-use plastic in all departments under his ministry with immediate effect.
Single-use plastics (SUPs) are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These plastics are usually used as bags, cups, plates, aerated drink bottles, straws, stirrers, take-away food containers, processed food packers and wrappers. Of these, foamed products such as disposable cutlery, plates and glasses are considered the most dangerous to the environment.
The ministry ordered, on Wednesday, September 4, that locally produced environment-friendly products like kulhads, clay glasses and plates will be used in place of harmful products.
“While addressing the nation during the 73rd Independence Day, hon’ble Prime Minister urged to eliminate the use of single-use plastics to prevent environmental degradation. The Prime Minister also stressed to use indegenous products and make the policy of ‘make in India’ successful,” the order stated.