India is set to impose a nationwide ban on six single-use plastics on October 2nd, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world’s most polluted. The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachet. The ban on the first six items will reduce 5 to 10 percent of India’s annual consumption of plastic, which currently stands at 14 million tonnes. India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities. However, growing concerns worldwide about plastic pollution means this problem cannot be ignored. Penalties for violations of the ban will take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives. The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only.

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Reuters