The Delhi Government plans to run a campaign, beginning July 1, to encourage people and effectively prevent manufacturers and dealers from violating orders
The Union Government has ordered that single-use plastics be banned in Delhi beginning July 1, 2022. Anyone found involved in manufacturing, importing, exporting, stocking, or selling single-use plastic will be barred from working across the country, effective from July 1. Polystyrene and expanded polystyrene are also prohibited, and a campaign will be launched to further the goal.
The Delhi Government’s campaign will ensure that the 19 single-use plastic items banned aren’t used in any capacity and that the orders are abided by. Earbuds, plastic sticks for balloons, flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol), plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweets boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, and stirrers are among the 19 prohibited items. Strict action and closing off of businesses would entail should anyone violate the orders.
According to a senior government official, “The department has issued strict instructions to single-use plastic item manufacturers, stockists, suppliers, and distributors to ensure zero inventory of the 19 SUP items. Those who fail to maintain a zero inventory by the first week of July will be shut down.”
The department intends to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance by manufacturers, brand owners, suppliers, and stockists registered with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), added the official. Further, authorities are inspecting and identifying industrial and redevelopment areas to shut down illegally manufactured SUP items.
The Sriram Institute of Industrial Research is tasked with conducting surveys to identify hotspots in the national capital that are prone to littering and producing plastic waste. The survey will cover all 11 Delhi districts and must be completed within four months.
Meanwhile, manufacturers of small packaged fruit juices and dairy products have asked the government to delay the ban’s implementation until proper infrastructure for producing paper straws locally is developed, claiming that importing such straws is not economically viable.
Spokespeople for brands such as Parle Agro and Dabur India have requested a 6-month extension to allow Indian manufacturers to build adequate capacity and infrastructure to manufacture and supply biodegradable materials.
The Delhi Environment Department is planning on organising a three-day fair in the Capital between July 1 and July 3 to promote alternatives to SUP, where, enterprises, citizens, and non-profit organizations can showcase items that are suitable alternatives to the banned material.
