Shimla
The administration of Himachal Pradesh has taken yet another decisive action to eliminate plastic in the state. The businesses will now have to scientifically eliminate the same amount of plastic as the quantity of goods they sell in the state that come in plastic packaging. This regulation, which was put into effect under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requires manufacturers to accept accountability for the plastic garbage that their goods produce.
To properly enforce this guideline, the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board has taken action. More than 800 businesses operating in the state but not registered on the EPR site have received notifications thus far. A fine of up to Rs 1 lakh may be levied on these businesses if they fail to register within the allotted time frame and fail to assume responsibility for garbage disposal. For the purpose of disposing of plastic trash, the government has partnered with businesses such as Ambuja and UltraTech Cement. Their cement facilities will use co-processing technologies to eliminate non-recyclable material. In addition to using plastic as fuel, this ecologically beneficial method lessens the strain on landfills.
Additionally, the government has chosen to include panchayats and local authorities in this process. At the moment, panchayats and municipal entities gather plastic debris without receiving any particular cash compensation. Under the new regulation, businesses will now contract with these organizations and pay them to collect plastic garbage. Local governments will benefit monetarily from this and be better equipped to manage garbage. The state government has directed all panchayats to implement solid waste management ordinances in order to accomplish this. Implementing them within six months is now required. These regulations include things like frequent collection, waste segregation at the source, and sanctions for noncompliance.
The state High Court has been actively involved in this as well. The court has mandated that all manufacturers, importers, and brand owners provide the State Pollution Control Board with comprehensive information on the plastic garbage produced by their goods and develop a strategy for waste collection and disposal in coordination with local authorities. Anil Joshi, the State Pollution Control Board’s Member Secretary, stated that this policy is a significant and firm move in the direction of Himachal Pradesh becoming a more ecologically conscious state. In addition to lowering plastic pollution, this will enhance health and hygiene.
