(a) Whether the Government has taken strict measures to eliminate use of plastic bags/wrappers/ bottles and other non-essential packaging;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to impose heavy penalties for offenders; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a)& (b): The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, prohibit, manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags and plastic sheets less than fifty microns in thickness in the country. There is complete ban on sachets using plastic material used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.
The Ministry had also issued “Standard Guidelines for Single-Use Plastic” on 21st January 2019 to all States/UTs and Ministries. The guidelines entails waste management system improvements, legal options for States/UTs to prohibit SUP items through regulatory measures, eco-friendly alternatives, social awareness and public education. The guidelines also include measures to be taken by government offices. 33 States/UTs have issued notifications/orders introducing regulations pertaining to complete or partial ban on plastic carry bags and/or identified single-use plastic items.
(c) & (d): Directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to all States/UTs for setting up for institutional mechanism for strengthening enforcement of PWM Rules. Guidelines for assessment of Environmental Compensation for Violation of PWM Rules 2016 have also been issued.These Guidelines have provisions for penal action including seizure of goods and levy of environmental compensation for violation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which restricts thickness of carry bags/plastic sheets to 50 microns. States and Union Territories, where required, have also taken action against defaulters for non-compliance of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
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