Question : Use of Plastic Bags

(a) whether the Government is aware that despite notifying Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, plastic bags below 50 microns are sold in markets;
(b) if so, the number of cases registered against companies/manufacturers producing plastic bags below 40 microns during the last two years and the current year, State-wise;
(c) the number of sellers and distributors punished during the said period, State-wise;
(d) the efforts made by the Government for reducing the circulation of plastic bags irrespective of quality or microns; and
(e) the measures taken by the Government to improve the capacity of recycling of wastes in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) to (c) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in their Annual Report 2015-16 on the implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules has reported widespread manufacturing, sale and use of prohibited carry bags across majority of the States and UTs. 312 unauthorized plastic carry bag manufacturing units running in various States have been detected and local authorities have taken appropriate action such as confiscation of stock, issuing of closure directions, imposing penalty etc.

(d) & (e) To reduce the circulation of plastic bags, there is a provision in the rules to promote the use of compostable carry bags and films (100% bio-based). The Rules also mandate the local bodies to encourage the use of plastic waste for road construction, energy recovery, waste to oil etc. Further, every local body is responsible for development and setting up of infrastructure for segregation, collection, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of the plastic waste either on its own or by engaging agencies or producers.
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