In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to phasing out single-use plastics (SUP) by 2022. This was followed by a ban on 19 selected SUP items in July 2022 under the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. While the announcement made headlines globally, the actual implementation tells a very different story.
⚠️ Limited Scope of the Ban
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Contrary to popular belief, only 19 SUP items were banned—mainly cutlery, straws, and ear buds—leaving the bulk of single-use packaging plastic untouched.
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The official definition of SUP was vague and oversimplified, failing to distinguish between recyclable vs non-recyclable, or essential vs unnecessary plastics.
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Many harmful plastics, like multi-layered packaging (MLP), are still allowed, citing lack of alternatives—even though they’re among the worst for the environment.
📊 Impact: A Mere Dent in the Problem
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The ban addresses just 0.6 million tonnes of SUP waste annually—about 11% of India’s total 5.5 million tonnes.
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India is the 13th largest producer of SUP polymers globally, and Reliance Industries alone generates 3 million tonnes per year.
🏛️ Weak Enforcement and Compliance
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State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and local bodies have failed to enforce the ban rigorously.
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Manufacturers of banned items continue operations, while street vendors and small retailers face most of the enforcement pressure.
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No public data exists on which large producers have been fined or shut down, indicating a lack of transparency and accountability.
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Initial awareness campaigns were strong but dropped sharply after a few months. Complaints to authorities fell by 85% within six months post-ban.
💡 Lack of Market Alternatives
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One key reason for the continued use of SUP is the lack of affordable, accessible alternatives.
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Government has not adequately supported the development of a strong plastic alternatives industry—no subsidies, no tax relief, and no large-scale infrastructure to scale replacements.
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As a result, carry bags (below 120 microns), despite being banned, remain widely used—forming one-third of all illegal SUP products.
🌱 The Way Forward: Recommendations by CSE
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Stronger Enforcement: Field inspectors need better training and tools (like gauge meters) to identify and fine violators effectively.
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Transparency: States should be legally required to publicly share data on fines, inspections, and closures every quarter.
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Ban All Plastic Bags Irrespective of Micron Size: Micron-based regulations have failed. Himachal Pradesh and countries like Rwanda have shown total bans work.
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Economic Measures: Invest in the plastic alternative market through government subsidies, reduced GST, and production incentives.
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Life Cycle Costing: Consider the full environmental and health cost of plastics, which according to WWF, exceeds $3.7 trillion—more than India’s GDP.
🔚 Conclusion
India’s battle against single-use plastic remains largely symbolic so far, hampered by limited scope, poor enforcement, and lack of viable alternatives. Without systemic reforms, aggressive market support for alternatives, and transparent governance, the country risks falling far short of its environmental commitments. It’s not just about banning plastic—it’s about transforming the system that enables it.
