(a) whether the Government has imposed a ban on use of polythene bags in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is running any awareness campaign in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has fixed any norms for manufacturing polythene and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the penal provisions in case of violation of the said norms; and
(e) the number of cases wherein action has been taken for violation of the said norms?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (c) The Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 prohibit manufacture, sale, stocking and use of plastic carry bags of less than 40 micron in thickness in the entire Country. The States of Sikkim, Nagaland, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Rajasthan, J&K and Delhi and the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Island, Lakshadweep and Chandigarh have banned use of plastic carry bags. Ministry has published draft Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2015 inviting public comments and suggestions. These rules aim to expand the jurisdiction of applicability; to increase the minimum thickness of poly bags to 50 microns; to bring in the responsibilities of producers and generators both; strengthen the role of the local govt., industrial units and others in effective management of plastic waste. The Ministry has made provisions for financial assistance for creating awareness and training on waste management including Plastic waste.
(d) & (e) Violation of the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 attracts penal provision under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 which is imprisonment for a term up to five years with a fine of one lakh rupees or both. In case the violation continues, an additional fine of five thousand rupees for every day after the conviction for the first such failure or contravention shall be imposed. Detail of action taken on violating these Rules is enclosed at Annexure.
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