Ban issued on plastics below 50 microns

The new plastic waste management rules will be implemented across the country within six months, which will replace the earlier rules made five years ago. 

 

Plastic below 50 microns currently pose a major threat to the environment due to its non-disposability. The new stringent rules carry dos and don't for manufacturers, distributors, municipal bodies and panchayats.  

 

Manufacturers of plastic bags will have to make certain payments to states for its post-use disposal. The money, collected by the states from the manufacturers, will be given to local civic bodies and panchayats for taking multiple measures to dispose the plastic bags properly.

 

Additionally, plastic carry bags will be available only with shopkeepers/street vendors, pre-registered with local bodies, on payment of certain registration fee.

 

Under these rules, rural areas have also been brought in the ambit and the responsibility for implementation of the rules is given to Gram Panchayats. Also, persons or organizations, including even the political parties, have been made responsible for management of waste generated from the events.

 

According to the new rule, in the next two years, the manufacturing and use of non-recyclable multi-layered plastic will also be phased out.