India imposed a ban on single use plastics but results are not showing even after three months

The ban on single use plastics imposed by India includes items like plates, cups, cutlery, straws, packaging films and cigarette packets. However, these are still in rampant circulation across the country and worsening pollution levels. Ravi Agarwal is the director of environmental NGO Toxics Link. He told a media outlet - "Though the central government has issued the ban, the implementation lies with the respective state governments and their state pollution control boards. The state's actions are not up to the mark; there seems to be lack of effective implementation strategy from the states to enforce the ban fully.” India uses about 14 million tons of plastic every year. The government has not issued any advisory on banning the use of SUPs. Neither are there any penalties. Therefore, SUP products continue to be available as usual. Why is India's single-use plastic ban failing? An official of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that in spite of the ban, the use of SUP items, specifically thin carry-bags, continues unabated in the low-end section of the economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that his government would be actively working towards a crackdown on plastic in its second term in power. However, plastic waste generated across the country daily is 26,000 tons. Out of this, more than 10,000 tons remain uncollected. One drawback is an organized plastic waste management system. In its absence, there is widespread littering and plastics end up in rivers, oceans and landfills. These pose threats to the lives of wildlife species. A senior official of CPCB says - "… we have directed strict enforcement of the ban, with a focus on street vendors, vegetable markets and local markets, along with checks at borders and inspection of concerned industries." It is necessary to improve waste segregation… and ramp up the infrastructure for recycling.

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Huge sea waves damage a portion of the Marine Drive between Digha and Mandarmani

The 16-Km long Marine Drive between the popular sea beaches Digha and Mandarmani includes three bridges. Completed a few months ago, chief minister Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to inaugurate it. However, huge waves have damaged a portion of the Marine Drive just three days before the inauguration. It seems a well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a “deep depression.” This led to a turbulent sea. Cyclone Yaas had washed away a portion in May last year. That led to the construction of a metal road. Mamata Banerjee was expected to visit riding vehicles during the proposed inauguration on September 14. However, heavy rainfall in the last week of August led to damages making it difficult for the movement of traffic. It was repaired but was again damaged by strong sea waves. Waves damage stretch of Marine Drive at Digha. A senior official of the district administration said: “The Marine Drive will be inaugurated informally by the chief minister on September 14 as scheduled during her administrative meeting. But her visit to and ride at the Marine Drive has been postponed for obvious reasons.”

The police administration had “strictly prohibited” sea bathing in Digha and adjacent areas until Tuesday. Other popular sea beaches like Bakkhali, and Kakdwip were closed to tourists. Local sources informed about damages to agricultural production on large areas due to inundation. Irrigation department informed about damages to earthen dykes along many rivers. These included the Kalindi, Gourseshwar, Ichhamati, and the Choto Kalaghachi. The irrigation department has undertaken repair of the dykes on priority.

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