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Plastic-free Bharat: a Blueprint for Environmental Sustainability
Summary
Researchers outlined a policy blueprint for reducing plastic pollution in India, arguing that despite existing waste management legislation, 3.4 million tons of annual plastic waste — much of it non-biodegradable single-use bags — continues to overwhelm infrastructure and necessitates more comprehensive regulatory and industrial reform.
The proliferation of plastic in India has resulted in severe environmental degradation, posing threats to ecosystems, public health, and urban infrastructure. Despite the introduction of the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) and subsequent amendments, India continues to grapple with over 3.4 million tons of plastic waste annually, a significant portion of which consists of single-use plastic bags, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 2021. These bags are often non-biodegradable, clog drainage systems, pollute rivers, and pose dangers to wildlife. The ineffectiveness of current legislation stems from fragmented enforcement, lack of public awareness, and insufficient availability of eco-friendly alternatives (MoEFCC, 2016; Narayan & Rajendran, 2022). This study explores the environmental, economic, and regulatory dimensions of plastic bag usage in India, arguing for a nationwide prohibition on their sale. Drawing from successful models in Indian states such as Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh, where bans have significantly reduced plastic waste, the paper emphasizes the importance of strict legal enforcement combined with proactive public participation (Singh & Sharma, 2020). Furthermore, global case studies such as Rwanda’s total plastic ban demonstrate the viability of decisive policy action supported by awareness and sustainable alternatives (United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, 2018). The proposed policy framework incorporates a multi-pronged approach: nationwide legal prohibition of plastic bag sales, incentives for biodegradable alternatives, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and large-scale educational campaigns to shift consumer behavior. The study also underlines the importance of collaboration among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society to ensure scalability and compliance. By addressing both supply and demand dimensions, this proposal aims to disrupt India’s dependency on plastic bags and promote a transition toward sustainable consumption. Ultimately, a well-structured, enforced national ban on the sale of plastic bags rooted in environmental science and policy reform can serve as a crucial step in India’s journey toward circular economy goals and ecological resilience