India to ban single-use plastics from July 1 : All you need to know

India will ban single-use plastics from July 1 in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to phase out single-use plastic by 2022 and carry forward ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, a transformational step to prevent pollution caused by littering and unmanaged plastic waste. The ban will apply to the production, stocking, import, distribution, and use of single-use plastic.

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India has decided to put a stop to plastic sticks for earbuds, plastic plates and cutlery, cigarette packets, plastic flags, and plastic and PVC banners. Using or littering with the prohibited products will result in an on-spot fine of Rs 500 for individuals and households and Rs 5,000 for institutional waste generators. 

India happens to be in the top 100 countries in terms of single-use plastic generation. As per the Central Pollution Control board, India generates 25,940 tonnes of plastic every day. As per the 2021 Indian Coastal Cleanup report, single-use plastic collected over 35 years from the marine bodies could be stretched to cover the entire Himalayas. 

Over the last century, the country has been overloaded with cheap, lightweight, easy-to-produce material. However, India has taken steps to reduce plastic by promoting the use of biodegradable alternatives like honeycomb paper, paper mache, wooden sticks and cutlery, washable earbuds etc.

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A lawyer turned environmentalist, Afroz Shah told ToI that plastic is not the problem but the pollution caused by it is. There has to be a behavioural change which supports sustainable and eco-friendly choices. This considerable action should be taken by the citizens, parties, and the government. One step to curb the usage of single-use plastic is that biodegradable products need to be easily available and at a pocket-friendly and affordable price. 

Environmentalists of the country also suggested that the ban is not sufficient on its own and needs to be supported by other initiatives, and fines by the government. The amount of plastic collection and recyclable material also needs to be improved. 

Arindam Dasgupta, founder of an Assam-based company that produces biodegradable cutlery also told ToI that the ban on plastic will lead to a surge in the demand for biodegradable products because the commercial establishments are actively seeking sustainable, disposable cutlery. He also believes that there should be an increase in supply, which stands limited as of now.

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Although it may take time, the government is taking measures to spread awareness about the elimination of the use of plastic. These awareness campaigns are supported by the startups, entrepreneurs, industries, Central, state and local governments, citizens, organisations, and academic institutions. The success of the ban is contingent on active implementation and acceptance by all citizens of the country.