Despite the government's programs and regulations, plastic bags are being used indiscriminately in the market. Now the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also shown strictness on the matter. The NGT has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) not to make or sell plastic bags thinner than 50 microns.
Along with this, the NGT has said that a special environment squad should be created so that those who spread plastic waste in historical, religious and public places can be banned. It is worth mentioning that under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from Gandhi Jayant, the government has started an awareness campaign to stop the use of single use plastic. Though the government did not impose a complete ban on it, this directive from the NGT indicates a complete ban. It said that CPCB should ensure that plastic bags thinner than 50 microns are not used in the country.
The central government had indicated that a law would be introduced to ban single-use plastic altogether. Plastic bags of less than 50 microns are already banned in the capital Delhi. However, these bags are still seen in the market. There is also a provision of fine of five thousand rupees and jail for using such plastic bags in the capital.
Prime Minister Modi has also launched a campaign against single use plastic. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, he also appealed to the people to stop using single use plastic. The government has set a target to free the country from single-use plastic by 2022, although there are many challenges in this path. There may be opposition from the government in the industry as well. Second, who will be used as an alternative to single-use plastic is also a complex question.
