Plastic-free Bharat is possible by changing Our attitude!

The success of any environmental campaign depends on the extent of involvement of all stakeholders and the consistency of the awareness drive. The goal to make the country plastic-free is quite ambitious and calls for sustained efforts at all levels with active public participation. Plastic pollution is a serious public hazard as it is non-biodegradable. The chemicals released by waste plastic bags enter the soil and make it infertile. Microplastic is already found in the food chain. This must sound alarm bells in the government corridors. Despite its severe environmental consequences, single-use or disposable plastic has become a global addiction. In view of the pressing need for combating plastic pollution, recently, NITI Aayog organized a National PolicyDialogue on “Plastic Free Cities and Oceans” under the Chairmanship of Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, with Mr. Cyrill Gutsch, founder and CEO of “Parley for the Oceans”. The dialogue discussed recycling and reuse of plastic products, research and innovation to replace single-use plastics, institutional strengthening, public awareness, continued review and improvement of activities, and implementation of regulations at regional, national, and international levels.CEO, NITI Aayog, expressed that plastic is the classic example of boon turned bane in society. He also advanced that Bharat is a pioneering country for pledging to phase out single-use plastic by 2022. He also highlighted that in the age of technological advancement, innovations shall be the way ahead, and should be promoted while taking care of the varied needs of the country. Nearly 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated across India every day and 10,000 tonnes remain uncollected. The rest accumulates in landfills or in the natural environment; much of the plastic waste eventually reaches the oceans. It is feared that by 2050 there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish.