Fake biodegradable plastic a worry, no regulation or crackdown

PLASTIC waste management continues to be a challenge for the authorities. Plastic materials are often passed off as biodegradable items, while at the household level, the way plastic items are handled is a concern.

- BOSKY KHANNA @ Bengaluru

The Union government banned single-use plastic and issued directions to encourage other recyclable items on July 1, 2022. It was part of Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. The government issued a notification for the ban on August 12, 2021. However, there has been little impact on the ground.

Experts say that despite awareness, people continue to use plastic bottles and carry bags as the government has been unable to regulate their manufacture and use.

A senior Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) official from Delhi admitted that the drive to control plastic menace has reduced over time. An official from Karnataka regional CPCB office said that earlier, inspections were done on a monthly basis and urban local bodies officials were also guided. This has now come down.