Current State of Plastic Use and Available Alternatives in the Himalaya: Challenges and Way Forward

Plastic waste is under environmental scrutiny due to its potential to cause pollution particularly in the oceans and mountains. The Himalayan region has recently witnessed a surge in plastic pollution, which is affecting the environment and human health. With reference to the Prime Minister’s Mann ki Baat, where the issue of plastic pollution and Single Use Plastic (SUP) was raised 15 times during past decade, we conducted a systematic review to understand the current state of plastic use, available alternatives and knowledge gaps in the Himalaya. Traditionally, less research was conducted mainly focused on solid waste however during past decade it has shifted towards plastic waste and grown exponentially including on emerging topics of microplastics and alternative technologies. Microplastics have already contaminated the rivers, lakes, glaciers and terrestrial environment of the Himalaya. Its adverse impacts on human health, wildlife species, and different environments have been recorded. Although, waste management infrastructure has significantly improved during past decade in the Himalaya but complete elimination of SUP will only solve the plastic pollution completely. To address the issue, alternatives to plastic such as biodegradable plastics, paper bags, cloth bags and bamboo products have been introduced, but their usage is still low. Implementing alternatives is currently facing challenges such as lack of awareness, resistance to change, unavailability in the markets and higher cost. Targeted research and development for alternatives, creating incentives for businesses and individuals to adopt alternatives and improving waste management systems will curb the plastic pollution in the Himalaya.