Pune: MPCB Intensifies Action Against Single-Use Plastic

In a significant move to combat environmental pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), led by its newly-appointed chairman Siddhesh Kadam, has issued a mandate to all local bodies within the state to amplify their crackdown on single-use plastic. This order, issued on March 12, requires the establishment of dedicated task forces to conduct thorough inspections of various establishments, aiming to enforce the existing bans more rigorously.

Siddhesh Kadam, stepping into his role with a legacy of environmental advocacy from his father, former environment minister Ramdas Kadam, stresses the urgency of rejuvenating efforts against the production, sale, and use of single-use plastic. Local authorities are now tasked with not only taking punitive actions but also spreading awareness about the detrimental impact of single-use plastic. They are to report their progress by March 22.

This renewed emphasis comes at a time when action against single-use plastic has visibly waned, prompting the MPCB to direct a more forceful approach in cities like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The move reaffirms Maharashtra’s commitment to stringent plastic waste management, adhering to the rules laid out since 2016 and its subsequent amendments in 2018 and 2022, which modified the list of prohibited plastic items.

The crackdown on single-use plastic, especially significant in Pune during the early days of the ban, has seen a reduction in recent years. The MPCB’s latest order is a clear signal to local bodies to step up their efforts and ensure the state’s environmental laws are enforced more effectively.