The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of public pollution. In this context, highlight recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution is increasingly becoming one of the biggest menaces for India, with micro-plastics ranging from peak of Himalayas to depths of Indian ocean. Menace of Plastic Pollution: 1) India produces nearly 1000 MT of plastic waste annually. 2) Plastic pollen => health hazard for humans, animals, agriculture etc. 3) Weak waste management potential adds to the menace => plastic management is largely informal. 4) Clogging of drains and sewers => waterlogging, flash floods etc. 5) Burying of plastic => release of PM 2.5 by to. 6) Release of micro-plastics => accumulation and bio-magnification.

Initiatives for Plastic Management: 1) Plastic Waste management Rules 2016 have increased the penalties (user fees) and introduced extended producer responsibility for plastic waste. 2) Ban on single use plastic, of less than 300 microns thickness => of spoons, plate, polythene bags etc => most difficult to degrade and smell. 3) Promotion of circular plastic economy (3 STAR EPA) => through Habibwall 'connect' and 'raise zero waste'. 4) #BeatThePlasticPollution campaign and cleanliness drives for cleaning up plastic waste. 5) Vast, along with civil society organisations have implemented 'Plastic Plogging' campaigns. Thus, plastic menace needs to be tackled for the economic, health, environment and social development of India.