India To Ban Single-Use Plastic Items From July 1 Onwards, But Will It Work?

Delhi Government has decided to ban single used plastic products in Delhi Secretariat from June 1 onwards. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced, “Single-use plastic goods will be banned at the Delhi Secretariat starting from June 1. In the first stage, the use-and-throw pens and water bottles will be restricted. Also, banners, posters, and food cutlery made from single-use plastics will also be prohibited on the premises.”

Also Read This 45 Year Old Karnataka Woman Started With One Cow And Launched Her Own Dairy Brand

Gopal Rai said,

“The Environment Department is bringing all appropriate measures to fight pollution. The department has also established a Summer Action Plan. This plan is to fight the city’s rising pollution levels. Plastic spoons and forks, straws, polythene, plastic glasses, and others that cannot be reused and are dumped.”

“Many people try to destroy plastic products by burning them. And dumping them on the ground. This contributes significantly to air, water, and land pollution. And poses a main risk to the environment. Also, single-use plastic is easily transiting through air and water. This causes surrounding sewage or drainage systems to block. And leads to issues of waterlogging,” he added.

Environment Minister also said that a public awareness campaign is needed. “Instead of single-use water bottles and cutlery, bamboo, glass/porcelain, metal, or paper cutlery will be used. Moreover, we will promote the use of reusable pens. Also, we will use only cloth or paper banners to make banners and posters”, added Gopal Rai.

The Central Pollution Control Board had earlier in the year announced to producers, shopkeepers, street vendors, and the general public about the banning of such things that the government considers single-use plastic.