Environment minister Jairam Ramesh disapproves of a blanket ban on the use of plastic as this could kill the plastic industry, thus affecting the job of many.
Knowing the hazards caused by the usage of plastic on environment, minister said that the ban could be area specific but he didn’t approve of the blanket ban across the country. Plastic processing industry generates a substantial number of employments and can’t be shut in a day, argued Ramesh.
The minister believes that rather than enforcing a ban, governments can always have certain mandates regarding the usage and disposal of plastic. He also added that hazardous waste management was a very serious issue and said though 6 million tonnes of hazardous waste was generated in the country every year, only 2.5 million tonnes of it was being recycled.
So an increase in the facilities for treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes is required and it should be ensured that it is practiced in environmentally sustainable manner.
According to the minister, people must know the proper usage and disposal of hazardous things like plastic and electronic wastes. Mere putting a ban may trigger other problems.