As we all know, single-use plastic has been banned in India from July 1, 2022, to curb plastic pollution. The Centre has banned several single-use plastics, including products made of polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, from being manufactured, distributed, imported, sold, stored, and used. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has taken a new step to further its campaign against single-use plastic.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, “The Delhi Government is taking every possible step against pollution. We are alert against the pollution caused by single-use plastic and have prepared a comprehensive action plan for this. On one hand, while the government is taking all steps to promote the alternative of single-use plastic, on the other hand, an enforcement team has been constituted by the DPCC and revenue department to implement its ban. 15 teams of DPCC and 33 teams of the Revenue Department will work to inspect the restrictions on SUP items.
As announced, on July 8, 2022, 48 enforcement teams will be given special training to deal with single-use plastic to accelerate the imposition of the protocols. Additionally, a helpline number 011-23815435 regarding single-use plastics was issued on July 7, 2022, enabling the general public to contact the department with any questions they may have about this topic.
Gopal Rai highlighted that single-use plastic has been banned in the whole country from July 1, 2022, and in its first phase, 19 items have been included in the purview of the ban. These include earbuds made up of plastic; plastic sticks used for balloons, flags, candy, ice-creams; thermocol; plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays used for eating; packaging films mounted on sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets; PVC Banners made in less than 100 microns; and stirrers.
Rai says, "On July 8, these constituted enforcement teams will be given detailed training on single-use plastic. Also, warning notices will be issued to those who violate the SUP ban till July 10 and after that penal action will be taken against them by these teams.”
Gopal Rai added, “There are many questions and doubts regarding the ban of single-use plastic not only in the public but also in many industry associations. In such a situation, a helpline number - 011-23815435 has been issued by the department for all the people from today. Through this number, people will be able to get answers to all their questions regarding single-use plastic management by the department.”
