(MOREPIC1) Aman Sandhu/Chandigarh/Derabassi
Plastic pollution from India accounts for nearly one-fifth of worldwide plastic emissions. Plastic waste generation in India is estimated to be 9.3 million tonnes per year. Out of this total approximately 5.8 million tonnes (mt) are burnt, with the remaining 3.5 million tonnes being discharged into the environment as debris. This amount is considerably greater than China's (2.8 mt). India tops the list of emitters according to the rate, while China, which is typically regarded as the biggest committer, comes in fourth.
According to a study published in Nature, the country's claimed garbage generation rate of 120 grams per person per day is probably an underestimate. Furthermore, the study found that while high-income nations generate more plastic garbage, the majority have complete collection coverage and controlled disposal. India's efforts to combat plastic waste include the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, which prohibit the production, import, stockpiling, distribution, sale, and use of plastic carry bags with a thickness less than 120 microns.
As we go about our daily lives, it is easy to overlook the tiny villains that surround us — single-use plastics. However, the truth is that these seemingly harmless plastics are wreaking havoc on our health and the environment.
From the moment we wake up, we are exposed to single-use plastics. The microbeads in our toothpaste, the plastic wrap on our breakfast sandwiches and the water bottles we drink from throughout the day, all contribute to the staggering amount of plastic waste we generate.
But how exactly do single-use plastics affect our health? For starters, plastic touch can transfer toxins and chemicals into our skin, causing irritation and other health problems, but that's not all. Toxins in eatable items are also a major concern. Microplastics have been found in everything from seafood to salt, and even in our drinking water. This means that we're ingesting toxins and chemicals every time we eat or drink something contaminated with microplastics.
Then there's exhalation through air, where we inhale microplastics that have broken down from larger plastic items. This can lead to respiratory problems and even cancer.
The impact of single-use plastics on our environment is just as alarming. Drinking water content in the earth is being contaminated with microplastics, which can affect the quality of our drinking water. Fertile land is being polluted with microplastics, causing our fruits and vegetables to become contaminated.
So, what can we do to combat this problem? First off, we need to reduce our use of single-use plastics. We can do this by carrying reusable bags and water bottles, avoiding products with microbeads and choosing products with minimal packaging.
(SUBHEAD)Dr. Pardeep Kumar and Ms. Anantika Sharma , said, we also need to hold our governments and corporations accountable for their role in perpetuating the single-use plastic problem. We need stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal as well as more education and awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics. The institutional framework for the collecting, sorting, and recycling of plastic trash must be strengthened, and behaviour must change if India is to address the problem of plastic pollution.
It is high time that people were educated about the harmful effects of single-use plastic on the environment and human health. Besides, encouraging the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles and biodegradable cutlery is important. Promoting sustainable practices such as recycling, composting and proper waste management; encouraging manufacturers to take responsibility for the waste generated by their products; and creating plastic-free zones in public areas such as parks, beaches, temples, public gathering, including the Kumbh area, are equally necessary.
Harit Kumbh Abhiyan's Initiative
The Harit Kumbh Abhiyan aims to eradicate single-use plastic while retaining the religious esteem of the Kumbh Mela. The initiative promotes the use of eco-friendly alternatives and encourages sustainable practices among devotees and vendors. By supporting this initiative, we can create a better future for future generations.
The time to act is now. We owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to take action against single-use plastics. Let's work together to create a world where plastic waste is a thing of the past.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised the need to reduce the use of single-use plastic in his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address. He called for raising awareness about this issue and launching a mass movement against it. In line with this, the Harit Kumbh Abhiyan is an important initiative. This campaign aims to eliminate single-use plastic while preserving the religious sanctity of the Kumbh Mela. It promotes the use of eco-friendly alternatives and encourages sustainable practices among devotees and vendors.
We need to work together to solve this problem. We must reduce our use of single-use plastic in our daily lives and adopt eco-friendly alternatives. We must also raise awareness about this issue among those around us and encourage them to reduce their use of single-use plastic. Let us work together to create a future where plastic waste is a thing of the past.
