 Context: PAC Report and 2024 Amendments
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently presented a critical report titled “Pollution caused by Plastic” in Parliament, highlighting systemic flaws in the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016. In response, the Government of India notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 (PWM Rules 2024) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Sections 3, 6, and 25). These amendments aim to address gaps identified by the PAC, particularly inefficiencies in enforcement, littering, and microplastic pollution.
Key Issues Identified by the PAC
- Inadequate Implementation: Poor enforcement of the 2016 Rules, leading to continued plastic pollution.
- Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Proliferation: High littering potential of SUP items like carry bags and packaging.
- Microplastic Threats: Rising concerns over microplastics and microbeads in ecosystems.
- Weak EPR Compliance: Insufficient accountability for producers and brand owners in waste management.
Overview of PWM Rules 2016 and 2024 Amendments
PWM Rules 2016
- Scope: Applies to all stakeholders, including waste generators, local bodies, manufacturers, and brands.
- Key Provisions:
- Thickness Regulation: Increased minimum thickness of plastic carry bags from 50 to 75 microns (2021) and 120 microns (2022).
- SUP Ban: Prohibition on select SUP items (e.g., straws, cutlery) with low utility.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandated producers to manage post-consumer plastic waste.
2024 Amendments
- Enhanced Thickness Standards: Strengthened requirements to reduce plastic bag fragility and littering.
- Expanded SUP Ban: Inclusion of additional SUP items based on littering potential.
- Stricter EPR Compliance: Introduced clearer targets, monitoring mechanisms, and penalties for non-compliance.
- Focus on Microplastics: Indirectly targets microplastic generation by curbing SUP and improving waste management.
Plastic Waste in India: Key Statistics
- Annual Generation: ~4.2 million tonnes (2020–21, CPCB data).
- Per Capita Waste: Doubled in the last five years.
- Recycling Rates: Only ~60% of plastic waste is recycled, with the rest polluting landfills or ecosystems.
Critical Features of the Regulatory Framework
a. Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Ban
- Targets items like thin carry bags, styrofoam, and disposable cutlery.
- Aims to reduce littering and non-recyclable waste.
b. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Obligations: Producers/brand owners must ensure collection and recycling of plastic they introduce.
- 2024 Reforms: Digital tracking of EPR compliance, higher recycling targets, and penalties for violations.
c. Thickness Regulations
- Thicker plastic bags (120 microns) are less prone to tearing, promoting reuse and reducing litter.
Pollution Concerns DELHI:
- Despite only 2% of the river flowing through Delhi, it accounts for over 80% of its pollution.
- Untreated sewage, industrial waste, and encroachments on floodplains are major contributors to its degraded state.
Microplastics and Microbeads: Hidden Threats
- Microplastics:
- Particles <5 mm, derived from degraded plastics (e.g., bottles, packaging).
- Enter food chains, harming marine life and human health.
- Microbeads:
- Synthetic exfoliants in cosmetics (e.g., face washes, toothpaste).
- Bypass water treatment, contaminating oceans.
- Regulatory Gaps: While PWM Rules 2024 address SUP, specific bans on microbeads in personal care products are yet to be enforced nationally.
Challenges and Way Forward
- Implementation Hurdles: Weak local governance, lack of recycling infrastructure.
- Public Awareness: Need for behavioral change to reduce plastic consumption.
- Innovation: Promote alternatives like biodegradable plastics and circular economy models.
Conclusion
The PWM Rules 2024 signify a proactive step toward mitigating plastic pollution by addressing PAC’s concerns. However, success hinges on robust enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and public participation. Tackling microplastics and strengthening EPR frameworks will remain critical for India to achieve sustainable plastic waste management.
