India, as the fifth highest generator of plastic waste, plays a crucial role in global discussions on plastic pollution. Recently, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) deliberated on a legally binding agreement to combat plastic pollution.
KEY POINTS
1. No Binding Targets on Plastic Production:
- India opposes binding targets or caps on the production of plastic polymers.
- A senior official from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change emphasized that plastic pollution stems from mismanagement of plastic waste, not from the use of plastic itself.
2. Addressing Plastic Pollution:
- India advocates for interventions that manage plastic waste effectively without eliminating the use of plastic.
- The government has introduced the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) rules to ensure proper disposal of plastic waste.
3. Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR):
- Producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) must collect back 100% of the plastic used in their products’ packaging.
- The EPR aims to reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills by promoting recycling and proper disposal.
4. Managing Littering and Pollution:
- The government has banned single-use plastic to tackle littering.
- Enhanced use of recycled plastic and effective EPR implementation are key strategies for upstream interventions.
5. Early Stages of EPR Implementation:
- The EPR system is still in its nascent stage in India, with the ecosystem for its full implementation currently being developed.
CONCLUSION
India's approach to regulating plastic production and managing plastic pollution reflects a balance between economic activities and environmental responsibility. By focusing on effective waste management and promoting recycling through EPR, India aims to address plastic pollution without hindering its plastic production industry.
SRIRAM’s
Share:
Get a call back
Fill the below form to get free counselling for UPSC Civil Services exam preparation
